7.5
Where can I stream The Piano legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Piano fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, no humor.
Energy
Tense and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle7
- Violence5
Heart
Deeply romantic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family.
- Romance9
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
History, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and sound design
- Music Centrality10
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition9
Energy
HighTense and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Piano is tense and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply romantic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, deeply moving, and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighHistory, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, score, and sound design
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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You want fast pacingYou're watching with family
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About
Silence affects everyone in the end.
When an arranged marriage brings Ada and her spirited pre-teen daughter Flora to the wilderness of 19th-century New Zealand, she finds herself locked in a battle of wills with both her controlling husband and a rugged frontiersman to whom she develops a forbidden attraction.
Gothic RomanceHistorical DramaForbidden LoveColonial New ZealandFeminist ThemesArtistic ExpressionMuted ProtagonistLush CinematographyIconic ScorePsychological Depth
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Piano
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Piano worth watching?
84
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 89). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Piano rated?
RSexual contentNudityViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, nudity, violence, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Piano?
2 h 0 min
The Piano runs 2 h 0 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Piano?
Critics90
Audiences80
Not quite. Critics rate The Piano higher (90) than audiences (80). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Piano a box office hit?
Budget$7 million
Box office$40 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $7 million to make and earned $40 million worldwide, 5.7 times its budget.
What language is The Piano in?
EnglishMāori
It was made in English, with some Māori. Produced in Australia, France, New Zealand.
In how many countries can I watch The Piano?
39
+25
+25GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Piano in 39 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Piano use?
Rule of SymbolismMale Frontal NudityIt's All My FaultReality Has No SubtitlesBittersweet EndingGoing NativeLove HurtsThe DitzCooldown HugI Want My Beloved to Be HappyMarital Rape LicenseSexless Marriageand 43 more
TV Tropes lists 55 storytelling tropes for The Piano, including Rule of Symbolism, Male Frontal Nudity, It's All My Fault.