The Piano

REVIEW
Set in 19th-century New Zealand, this is a sumptuously photographed and atmospheric tale of repressed passions. Oscar winner Hunter is Ada, a mute Scottish woman who is forced into an arranged marriage. She and her illegitimate daughter, Flora (the Puck-like Paquin, who also won an Oscar), arrive at their new home with their worldly possessions -- including Ada's prized piano. However, Ada's pious new husband, Stewart (Neill), refuses to carry the instrument through the bush, and abandons it on the beach. He then sells the piano to an illiterate settler (Keitel), who in turn agrees to sell it back to Ada in exchange for lessons. His true intentions, however, involve Ada in a bizarre but passionate affair. Campion masterfully uses the power struggles between all of the characters to explore the various themes of colonialism and the plight of women while sketching a mesmerizing and emotionally involving story.