The Piano is a 1993 drama film directed by Jane Campion. It stars Holly Hunter as Ada McGrath, Harvey Keitel as George Baines, and Sam Neill as Alisdair Stewart.
The film is set in the mid-19th century in New Zealand, and it explores themes of language, passion, repression, isolation, and cultural clashes. Ada, who is mute, can only communicate through her piano playing and gestures. She regards her piano as an extension of herself and refuses to part with it, even though Alisdair refuses to have it in their house.
Ada's relationship with Alisdair is strained from the beginning, and it becomes clear that both of them are not in love with each other. Alisdair, however, sees Ada as a status symbol and also desires her sexually. Ada is repulsed by him, and when he touches her, she recoils.
Ada finds solace in playing her piano, which draws the attention of George Baines, an illiterate, middle-aged man who is fascinated by Ada's music and by her "wildness." Ada, in turn, is drawn to George's sensitivity and his ability to understand her even though she cannot speak. They form a relationship based on a mutual passion for music and desire, and Ada begins to teach George how to read and write in exchange for his allowing her to play her piano.
Their relationship becomes complicated when Alisdair finds out about it and demands that Ada end it. She refuses and begins to unravel emotionally, leading to a tragic conclusion.
The Piano won the Palme d'Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its cinematography, acting, and storytelling. It is considered a masterpiece of feminist cinema and a landmark film in New Zealand cinema.
