The Piano (1993)
(Jane Campion, New Zealand/Australia/France/US 1993, 121 min., 35mm)
Beautifully filmed in the stunning blue hues of New Zealand’s forests, and breathtaking shorelines of the Pacific Ocean, The Piano is set in 1850 during the colonization of New Zealand. Mute by will, if not by choice, Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) communicates to us in a voiceover, through the script by sign language, facial expression, and, most importantly, by playing the piano. Scotswoman Ada has been contracted by her father to marry Scottish colonist Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Arriving by ship with her daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), and her most prized possession, her piano, Ada finds herself dropped off like baggage on the shore of a desolate beach to meet her new husband. Refusing to carry her piano to his home, Stewart negotiates a deal with Baines (Harvey Keitel) to carry the piano inland with a team of strong Māori in exchange for land. However, Baines has an exploitative sexual offer for Ada to earn her piano back. Written and directed by Campion, The Piano was nominated for eight Academy Awards, of which it won three, for Campion’s script and the performances by Hunter and Paquin.