In the mid-19th century, Ada, a mute woman, is sent to New Zealand, along with her young daughter and prized piano, for an arranged marriage to Stewart, a farmer. However, she soon captures the interest of farm worker George. This moving film classic is about a woman's fortitude in a forced marriage. Featuring two of the best actors of the time - Harvey Keitel and Holly Hunter - the film depicts an unlikely romance in a relentless landscape.
Language: English, subtitles: Dutch
Genre: classic, drama, romance
Life in the rugged forests of New Zealand's North Island is not what she imagined, nor is her relationship with her new husband, Stewart. Ada suffers anguish and loss when Stewart sells her piano to a neighbor, George, as the piano at least provided her with some means of communication.
Ada learns from George that she can get her piano back by giving him piano lessons, but only under certain conditions. At first, Ada despises George, but slowly their relationship changes, propelling them into a dire situation.
The Piano is a big screen beauty shot in picture-perfect New Zealand. The rugged country can be considered a character in itself. The film is set in the 19th century, but looking back, the film can also be seen as an interesting representation of the time in which it was made. It is also often considered as special since the romantic (and erotic) scenes were directed by a woman, which was very unusual at the time.
In many ways, the success of the film The Piano paved the way for New Zealand-born director Jane Campion. Last year, Campion became the third female director ever to win an Oscar (Power of the Dog), beating out big names like Steven Spielberg.
The BBC’s Culture Critics’ Poll voted The Piano the best film ever made by a female director. Jane Campion is the only female filmmaker to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and this is her third feature film.
The film will be preceded by a short introduction.
Come and see this film classic with modern eyes and see if it still stands the test of time.
Reviews
“Erotic, Mysterious, Exquisite.” Newsweek.
“The Piano plays itself with such contrapuntal richness, it resonates in you forever.” The Washington Post
“The wonder of The Piano is that such an outwardly simple story could emerge into such a complex swirl of lingering memories.” The Austin Chronicle
“It is one of those rare movies that is not just about a story, or some characters, but about a whole universe of feeling.” Chicago Sun-Times
Awards
This film classic won 65 awards, including 3 Oscars, 3 BAFTA’s, and a Palm d’Or.
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos. Buying a ticket online in advance is mandatory if you want to attend this film. You can buy a ticket via the black “order” button on this page.
Please note: you can only buy a ticket online; tickets are not purchasable with cash or bank card at the ticket counter. A ticket is not refundable or exchangeable.
You can find more general information about tickets, refund policy etc. here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film starts at 19:30 sharp (no commercials) and the cinema hall opens at 19:10. We kindly ask you to be at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the film. This is to ensure the film starts and ends on time.
SG & USE registration
Please register your participation at the venue when attending the film. You can register by scanning your student ID card. More information about SG & USE regulation can be found here.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the student film committee and Natlab.