A harrowing film about the Holocaust is hailed as an immersive “masterpiece”, and has a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Pianist (2002) is a biographical film about the life of Polish-Jewish composer and Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman (played by Adrien Brody).
The film, based on Szpilman’s memoir of the same name, depicts his family’s attempts to survive as the Nazis took control of the Polish capital, Warsaw. Directed by Roman Polanski, whose parents were taken to German concentration camps where his mother died, it lays bare the horrific inhumanity of Adolf Hitler’s regime.
The film picked up three Academy Awards, with Brody winning the Best Actor Oscar, with Polanski picking up the Best Director gong, and Ronald Harwood awarded Best Adapted Screenplay.
One Audience Writer on Rotten Tomatoes said the film is “a literal masterpiece” and that it “felt way too realistic”.
Another said the The Pianist is “both captivating and harrowing, bringing historical events vividly to life in a way that draws you in completely”.
They added: “While many of us are familiar with the history, this film immerses you in the experience, making it all the more impactful.
“Despite its age, it remains a brilliant piece of cinema and is absolutely worth watching.”
A third said the film is “very emotional” and “does not shy away from showing the horrors of the holocaust”.
“Amazing acting, cinematography and music. Probably my favorite movie of all time.”
The film has a 15 certificate and features “strong wartime violence and horror” – so may not be for everyone.
It has a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer (which reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given the movie a positive review).
The film is also highly rated among general audiences on the site, with a 96% Popcornmeter score.
The Pianist is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.