Get ready for a cinematic treat! The BBC is set to release a stunning film featuring one of the youngest-ever Oscar winners. Released in 1993, it immediately captured hearts, earning numerous prestigious awards for its brilliant cast and crew.
Fans have taken to Rotten Tomatoes to express their adoration, with one person calling i”A timeless masterpiece!” Another gushed, “This is my favourite film. Sure I have others, but none tops this.” It’s a work where “art-making meets meaning-making,” inviting us all to seize life’s beauty.
One IMDb user remarked, “This is one of my all-time favorite films. It combines masterful scripting, cinematography, performances, and musical score into a disturbing, erotic, and ultimately uplifting piece.” Another viewer chimed i”A few years too late, but I just watched this. Even by today’s standards, it’s an amazing movie.”
The film, The Piano, was penned and directed by the talented Jane Campion, recognized for her recent work on The Power of the Dog and Top of the Lake. It tells the poignant tale of Ada McGrath, played by Holly Hunter, a Scottish woman who has chosen to be mute, alongside her spirited daughter Flora McGrath, portrayed by Anna Paquin. They find themselves sold to farmer Alisdair Stewart, played by Sam Neill, in the rugged terrain of mid-1800s New Zealand.
Upon their arrival, the duo brings along a handcrafted piano, which Alisdair insists they cannot take back to their home. Resourceful Ada persuades their neighbor, George Baines (Harvey Keitel), to help retrieve the beloved instrument.
Ada’s method of communication predominantly revolves around sign language, with Flora as her interpreter. Their journey unfolds with a passionate romance blossoming between Ada and George, who is captivated by her mesmerizing piano playing. Besides the gripping narrative, the film beautifully showcases New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, paying homage to the country’s stunning allure.
Campion drew inspiration from classic literature like Wuthering Heights and The African Queen while writing The Piano. This film marked the debut of Anna Paquin, who made waves by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at just 11 years old. Securing her role against over 5,000 contenders, Paquin was clearly destined for greatness.
She became the second-youngest person to receive an Academy Award, following Tatum O’Neal, who won for her role in Paper Moon back in 1973.
When Paquin took the podium to accept her award, she appeared genuinely overwhelmed but delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with the audience, drawing thunderous applause. After her iconic role in The Piano, Paquin went on to shine in HBO’s vampire series True Blood, join the Marvel universe in The X-Men franchise, and feature in acclaimed series like The Affair and Alias Grace.
In more recent productions, she has captivated audiences in shows like True Spirit, A Friend of the Family, Flack, and A Bit of Light.
The Piano will be streaming on BBC iPlayer from 11 PM today.