User Reviews

An amazing movie, that shows the real side of the war. A classic. Its heartbreaking but beautiful.

I felt spiritually connected to Adrien Brody's character throughout much of the film. It is amazing what unspeakable things humans will do to each other simply because someone tells them to. "The Pianist" chronicles the story of one human being but also serves as a symbolic example of the human race as a whole.

A standard and typically brutal look at a terrible time. I wouldn't say it stood out any more than the other more well known films in the genre. I'm not sure the benevolent **** storyline was needed at all to push this over the finish line.

A gem of a WWII film, overtaking Saving Private Ryan as my highest rated movie in the category. The story follows the real pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman and his story of being Jewish during the horrific events of the time, and all that entails. I loved the art of this movie. For starters, the development of the character was not only physically and emotionally accurate, but it was followable, you witnessed it happen and had to suffer through it. The relationships between Jew and **** or Jew and Jew during such a time vary every time the scene changes. The movie also manages to capture the unimaginable horror and the art and hope that a pianist brings with him in the same frame. That would end up being the resounding message in a story of triumph that the audience gets to hold on to, this pianists art, his drive for music, keeps him alive and pushes him forward.

The is one of the best movie ever made which is based on the world's biggest tragedy ever- WWII. This movie shows the struggles and sufferings of jews during the war in a way which everybody will get the seriousness of it. This movie also tells us the moral of Never Give Up and also points out that there were some kind persons even among the most cruel group of people. This is an absolute classic war movie which is a must watch

I find this film boring in some parts, but very few. Otherwise, it's a wonderful and moving film, following the protagonist's story is really interesting, and I have to really praise Adrien Brody's performance, it's spectacular, so much so that he won an Oscar for this film.

Just an amazing movie. Great story, great characters, great choice of places and great ending. It is perfect...

For me, really quality. It caught me a lot, because I like the theme of war in movies and this was excellent. It was also helped by the fact that it is a story based on a true event. It was a great build-up. It was great at the beginning, but then it kept going and from about halfway through it really grabbed me and I was really entertained. The last moments of the film were a blast. Suspenseful, I'd say slightly moving and simply gripping. In my eyes, this is an amazing film. I think it's a great choice for war movie fans, but don't expect an action movie. It might even catch the attention of people who aren't into war movies that much. It's not about the action. In short, a good quality biopic. I thought it was great.

Decent movie. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great

This is without a doubt the best film of its genre ever made. The film's brilliant directing, acting, and storyline work together to draw you into a historically disturbing, yet intriguing plot. Brody is deserving of his Academy Award because he brings forth the best in 'The Pianist.' His acting is subtle enough that you can forget you're watching a movie and instead are living through his eyes. Simultaneously, it is bold and loud enough to make you experience every emotion as his character embarks on his harrowing trip.

Excellent acting by brody,amazing cinematography,astonishing directing over all one of the best movies i've ever watched

It's very emotional and it's based on a real story and the acting is very good

There are some films that are so powerful and remarkable that they remain in the collective memory. This is one of them... not because it is a film about the Jewish holocaust, because there are a lot of films about that, but because of the raw way in which it approached it, without artifice or heroism. Directed with absolute mastery by Roman Polanski - himself a Holocaust survivor, with many harsh memories of the time, some of them used here - the film seeks to mirror the personal account of the difficulties experienced by Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Jewish pianist who worked on the radio when the Poland is invaded by **** Germany. I have not read the original account written by Szpilman, who would die at a time when the film was being made, but I give credit to Polanski's efforts. The director wanted a faithful, realistic and sincere account, and managed to turn his film into a historically faithful and credible portrayal of the facts and events that took place in Warsaw during the German invasion, including the occupation of the city, the forced relocation of Jews to the ghetto and transport to the extermination camps, the harsh living conditions experienced by those who lived in the ghetto and the way in which the Polish resistance and confined Jews collaborated to oppose the invaders, in a work that reached its peak with the Ghetto Revolt, suppressed with extreme violence, as we know. The pianist's story unfolds among all these facts, making Szpilman the eyewitness of all this. In the midst of absolute barbarism, dissonant notes that help us not to see reality in black and white: a Jewish police that collaborates with the **** by oppressing their ethnic brothers, a Polish housewife who does not hesitate to denounce that Jew that hides in the apartment next door, and a German officer who, against all odds, is willing to help him, even giving him his military coat, so he won't get cold. War and life have these things. Adrien Brody, still young, achieved with this film the most striking and powerful interpretation of his career to date. He's a great actor, he'll have a lot of opportunities to do something as good or better, but I have to admit that it's going to be difficult to give us something so powerful and intense. Next to him, we have good performances by Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox, Michal Zebrowski and Thomas Kretschmann, among other actors, all of them two or three steps below Brody. Technically, the film makes the most of the chosen filming locations in Warsaw, where filming was concentrated. The sets and costumes are loaded with detail and realism, transporting us to the time and historical context with a truly enviable rigor, worthy of a documentary. To this work, we have to associate impeccable and beautifully thought out cinematography, where light and color gradually disappear, as all the action progresses and the atrocities become more and more evident. There are also some very well executed CGI effects that take us through a city devastated by bombing and fighting. The tension and harshness of the events keep us stuck with the film until the end, and the brutality and destruction of the war are the icing on the cake. The soundtrack brings together a series of magnificent melodies by Chopin, a composer who knew how to explore the harmony and nostalgia of the piano as almost no one else knew how to do after him. Ironically or not, this Polish composer was anti-Semitic (like many people in his time), which did not prevent pianists of Jewish blood like Arthur Rubinstein from poring over his scores to the great delight of music lovers...

The Pianist is a movie following Wladek, a Polish man from a jewish family during the perils of the Second World War. Beginning at the Siege of Warsaw in 1939 Wladek continues his strife to survive under ever-worsening surroundings he finds himself in up until the "Liberation of Warsaw" by the Soviets in 1945. While its not the most impactful or meaningful movies I've seen about the Second World War and its impact on civilians - Downfall comes to mind as a very good example - it's still an important piece of art which shows that war brings death to not only specially trageted groups, but to everyone involved.

First off, this is much more a war film than a musical drama - there are perhaps surprisingly few scenes actually depicting the main characters musical playing but of course the whole story is entirely centered around him and its a chilling depiction of the inhumane treatment of Jews during (among?) the darkest times of the 20th century. I suppose the piano playing, if only depicted on ocassion, presents the viewer with a clear sense of the beauty that still existed by those who were otherwise forced to be labelled as among the lowest class of people in German history at that time. There's undeniably a strong poignancy there. It conveys a depiction of disintegration, on a both personal and societal level. One of the most memorable moments is depicted right at the start of the film, when said pianist (Wladyslaw Szpilman) is performing in I assume a recording studio and the impact of war based action is impossible to ignore. This is a chilling/sobering watch. It highlights the hypocricy of the time its set and Adrien Brody gives a particularly powerful performance I'd say. A very thought provoking and sobering film, I'd recommend this.

A wonderful and unique film that has a lot to say and takes the audience deep into the story.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

I felt really uncomfortable watching some scenes and I think that was the goal of the director. This movie makes me think about the luck I have of not living any war.

A very heavy and difficult film but very well made and deals with heavy subjects. I recommend everyone to watch it to not make the mistakes of the past.

The Pianist is a solid war film which depicts a Jewish pianist's battle to survive in **** Poland. It's a powerful film driven by good direction from Polanski, as well as Adrien Brody's outstanding performance as Wladyslaw Szpilman. It's not the most remarkable war film that I've seen, but it's definitely worth a watch.

Muy real, cruda y entusiasta, una obra de arte de principio a fin, el retrato de los personajes en general, especialmente de los judíos polacos es conmovedor, los efectos de sonido son espectaculares, la banda sonora muy melodiosa y adecuada en todo momento, pero la actuación de Adrien Brody es magistral e impecable, la empatia que transmite es de otro mundo. Excelente trabajo del gran Roman Polanski.

A heart-wrenching drama that is remarkable in every cinematic element. This movie is one of the best to understand and feel the horrifying results of the war.

Probably one of the best movies about the holocaust ever made. Hard to choose what’s better between Brody’s portrayal of the pianist, the amazing direction by Roman Polanski and the powerful and impacting visuals throughout the whole film. Still blows my mind that this master piece didn’t win the academy award for best picture. Definitely a must watch for everyone.

The Pianist is a great movie to watch and showed how the struggles were from a different view of a Polist-Jewish Survivor. Definitely something unique and worth checking out.

Made as a letter written for himself, Polanski narrates the memories of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Jew pianist who lived a long odyssey with his family, going through gaps and famine, seeing how were all them deported to a death field, and forced to wander through of devastated Warsaw. A reminder about the power of hope against the odds. Mandatory but hard to watch for than once time.

Esse é um caso onde não podemos entender, pois não passamos por esse tipo de situação, mas sim podemos imaginar na nossa pele, e esse filme merece todos os méritos por isso. A direção é muito inteligente e dirige o drama de maneira gradativa, desde a perda de direitos até os campos de concentração, o que levanta uma melancolia absurda, visto que aquilo realmente aconteceu. As atuações são boas, com claro destaque ao Adrien Brody que consegue passar a dor e o medo do personagem de maneira orgânica, apenas com o olhar e suas expressões. Vale dizer que as cenas focadas no piano são lindíssimas. A cenografia é muito fiel a sua época, justo ao figurino, e a fotografia trabalha muito bem seus planos, mas não há nada de muito ousado aqui, e nem há porque.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

As a pianist and a person with a love for history this movie really brought a deep insight onto the world of a Polish Jew in WW2. This film is set in Poland during the second World War when Jews were being persecuted in the Holocaust, although many know of its horrors this movie really displays to what extent the Jews would be targeted and tortured and highlights how the suffering was universal, instead of selected the Jews who had done something wrong they are all bunched together and treated as less than human, The Pianist really does well to display this through the mood of the areas in which the movie takes place and through character development shows the corruption of the body both physically and mentally, lacking in trust and doing all it takes to survive. Despite its name, The Pianist has very little piano scores throughout the whole film played by the protagonist which makes the ones he does play even more impactful and beautiful, a man stripped of what he treasures, finally gets to enjoy it again. This movie is a real tear-jerker especially as it's based on a true story if you are interested in war this movie will shine a true and honest light on it and if you enjoy classical music in anyway this movie is definitely for you, it will bring an new and powerful connection between you and your music.

Great actors! The soundtrack is amazing. Roman Polanski made a great work directing this drama movie.

Honestly, I can't decide what's more heartrending and devastating: the agonies of the Jews, or the fact that Brody is one of the most wasted talents ever! (9/10)

"The Pianist" remains one of my favorite movies, partly because of Adrien Brody's admirable performance and engrossing story. It literally sticks you to the screen from the first minute to the last, without feeling boring or manipulative. It's a first-class feature with marvelous cinematography, excellent camerawork and an outstanding direction from Roman Polanski. 9/10.

Наверно лучший фильм который я смотрел.Наверно потому что главный герой этого фильма сыграл великолепную роль (после роли получил Оскар). ПЛЮСЫ +Игра на пианино +Не выдуманная история (основана на реальных событиях) +История о том как немцы относились к евреям. +Пробирает до слёз. МИНУСЫ (их для меня нету)

Una muy buena película que cuenta una gran historia de superación y lucha, es de esas obras que todos tendrían que conocer.

Without Adrien Brody's unique interpretation and Roman Polanski's almost insuperable direction, The Pianist wouldn't have reached the success-position, favorable critics, and the awards that it has right now.

It's wonderful when a movie has such a beautiful meaning. I hope with the help of music, genocides, and every action of suffering stop it's course in humankind. Respect each other, love each other.

Etonnant destin que celui de ce juif polonais, pianiste de son état, qui a survécu au ghetto de Varsovie et à la guerre elle-même, puis est resté en Pologne jusqu'à sa mort... à 88 ans ! un Polonais avant tout et un pianiste magistralement interprêté par un Adrien Brody criant de vérité. C'est aussi, disons-le, l'un des meilleurs films de Polanski (malgré sa longueur excessive...) qui restitue l'horreur sans en faire des mégatonnes, avec une sobriété qu'il faut saluer, car inutile d'en rajouter dans le pathos comme un Spielberg par exemple : la simple narration des faits suffit amplement et l'émotion subtilement induite fait le reste, naturellement. Une réalité historique très bien restituée, un compromis idéal entre le côté humain et les évènements terrifiants, le Pianiste est aussi un pan de l'histoire de la Pologne elle-même qui a payé un tribut très lourd durant ce conflit. Un beau film tout en retenue et une mise en scène d'une rare élégance.

It was well acted, well shot, entertaining and very well made. The Pianist definitely is a classic and it is totally worth your 2h30.I highly recommend it.

I am surprised that this movie has 55 negative reviews from users - so many, why? Yes it doesn't say why or why not you should care about happens and all that. But it isn't meant to, people should now that what happenned was bad and should never happen again - this movie shows how bad it was, how you had to hide from ****, how bad it was at the ghettos and all that. Yeah, maybe the main character gets lucky too much in the movie, but besides that it is still a great movie.

Roman Polanski's new movie, "The Pianist," is based on the memoirs of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a star of Polish radio and cafe society in the 1930's and a member of Warsaw's assimilated Jewish middle class, who lived through the **** occupation and the Warsaw ghetto. Szpilman's recollections, published shortly after the war, offer, like other such books, a deeply paradoxical impression of the Holocaust. Accounts of survival, that is, are both representative and anomalous; they at once record this all but unimaginable historical catastrophe and, without intentional mendacity or inaccuracy, distort it. The reason for this could not be simpler. Most of the intended victims of **** genocide did not survive; the typical Jewish experience in 1940's Europe was death. One of the main genres that allow later generations access to this time thus presents an inevitably unrepresentative picture of it. We naturally identify with the protagonists of these books, and the characters based on them in movies and plays, and so imagine that we would have been among the lucky ones, even if the real odds suggest otherwise. (We also comfort ourselves in the vain belief that, had we been there, we would have bravely defied the ****, risking our own well-being to help their victims.) When it is not treated with the uneasy sentimentality reserved for miracles, survival — whether through dumb luck, resilience, the kindness of strangers or some combination of these — is often viewed with a deep and bitter sense of the absurd. Mr. Polanski, who was a Jewish child in Krakow when the Germans arrived in September 1939, presents Szpilman's story with bleak, acid humor and with a ruthless objectivity that encompasses both cynicism and compassion. When death is at once so systematically and so capriciously dispensed, survival becomes a kind of joke. By the end of the film, Szpilman, brilliantly played by Adrien Brody, comes to resemble one of Samuel Beckett's gaunt existential clowns, shambling through a barren, bombed-out landscape clutching a jar of pickles. He is like the walking punchline to a cosmic jest of unfathomable cruelty. Perhaps because of his own experiences, Mr. Polanski approaches this material with a calm, fierce authority. This is certainly the best work Mr. Polanski has done in many years (which, unfortunately, is not saying a lot), and it is also one of the very few nondocumentary movies about Jewish life and death under the **** that can be called definitive (which is saying a lot). And — again paradoxically — this is achieved by realizing the modest, deliberate intention to tell a single person's story, to recreate a specific and finite set of events. (Ronald Harwood's script does take some necessary liberties with Szpilman's account, but these seem justified by the demands of movie storytelling.) One of Mr. Polanski's trademarks is what might be called (to continue multiplying paradoxes) a humane sadism. He has always been fascinated by what happens to weak, ordinary people — Mia Farrow in "Rosemary's Baby," for instance, or Jack Nicholson in "Chinatown" — when they are intruded upon by evil forces more powerful than they, and he punishes his actors, peeling back their vanity to make them show the face of humanity under duress. One of Mr. Brody's most appealing features — from "King of the Hill" 10 years ago through such varied and underseen pictures as "Restaurant," "Summer of Sam" and "Bread and Roses" more recently — is his quick-witted, almost smart-alecky ****. His Szpilman, in the first section of "The Pianist," has the gait of a self-satisfied dandy and the smug smile of a man who takes charm and good fortune as his birthright. As he plays piano in a broadcast studio, an explosion rattles the building. He ducks, wipes some plaster off his sleeve, and keeps playing. Later Szpilman refuses to allow the widespread panic at the German invasion to interfere with more pressing matters, like the seduction of a star-struck young woman named Dorota (Emilia Fox). Mr. Polanski, working in Poland for the first time in 40 years (and also in Prague), reconstructs the look and rhythm of life in the ghetto with care and sobriety. You feel the dread and confusion of the inhabitants, and you also observe their intuitive, futile attempts to master the situation — circulating underground newspapers, smuggling contraband through the walls and quietly arming themselves for resistance.

It is real it raw it is imminent and moving, the acting is stellar the storyline is ok and paces with historical facts but it is not as appealing as a movie as i had hoped

An enriching experience, with an actor who knew how to take advantage and show the deplorable situations in which this film is based, is one of the best portraits of the second world war that i have seen, without falling into the extreme cruelty and taking care of the aesthetic essence.

Widely tense, powerfully written and well acted, "The Pianist" is a truly moving motion picture that manages to entertain everyone who likes war films.

It works because Roman Polanski is absolutely uncompromising. It's haunting and poetic and blends artistry with repugnance in a manner I've never seen before.

An entirely new perspective on the dark times of the Holocaust, The Pianist is a poignant masterpiece. Adrien Brody's portrayal of Szpilman is staggering and awe-inspiring. Roman Polanski has had many greats during his career, but this just may be his finest work.

This Palme D'or winner movie is one of the best movies i have ever seen. It connects emotionally with the audience, the music by Frederic Chopin is beautiful and the performances are very good. This movie is the reason why musicians struggle to live just to do what they love, art!

A sensational film. Roman Polanski and his amazing vision bring us one of his moving masterpieces. the film tells the amazing life story of acclaimed Polish pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman, focusing on his touching story of survival during World War II. With a beautiful cast, The Pianist is a great biographical drama i've seen in years. Loyal, genuine and above all a moving portrait of the Second World War and its worldwide impact.

An extremely humane tale of pure survival, The Pianist is undoubtedly one of Polanski's finest works - realistic, unflinching and never resorting to even the slightest melodrama.

The Pianist is a breathtaking and outstanding film by Polanski. The acting is great, and the cinematography is gritty yet beautiful. But what makes The Pianist stand out from other films of this genre is how it portrays the Germans so antagonistic and ruthless, more than almost any other film I've seen, except for maybe "Schindler's List".

Beautiful, engrossing, and tragic, this film is all of those and more. Beautifully directed by Roman Polanski and Adrien Brody excells in the lead role. Absolutely brilliant film.

suasana mencekam di film ini sangat terasa, dan performa adrien brody cukup baik, namun saya pikir dia kurang pantas untuk mendapat oscar dan film ini terlalu drama **** membosankan