The Pianist (2002) Dir: Roman Polanski
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Immensely controversial director Roman Polanski's epic World War Two drama is considered one of the best war-time films of all time, despite the fighting not being the focal point. Instead, it follows the true story of pianist Władysław Szpilman, and his harrowing experiences of the war.
Through the eyes of this Polish and Jewish musician in Nazi-occupied Poland, Polanski conveys some truly horrifying and real events, including the implementation of the infamous Nuremburg Laws.
Over the course of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the audience is compelled to witness the tragedies of antisemitism, and the horrors of German occupation. The narrative may be a little slow, but it keeps a steady pace and allows the story to build emotion, as the audience empathises with the film's protagonist.
Szpilman is played by the often underrated Adrien Brody, who provides arguably his best ever acting performance here. His ability to show the emotional pain, as well as the pure desperation of his character is truly masterful, and earned him an Oscar for best actor in a leading role as a result, and deservedly so.
The rest of the cast appear substantially less than Brody, with the vast majority having little actual screentime. That said, the nost notable of those were: Thomas Kretschmann, Emilia Fox, Ed Stoppard, Frank Finlay, Jessica Kate Meyer and Maureen Lipman.
Overall, this must be placed among the most quintessential World War Two films of all time. It is tragic, powerful and utterly devastating at times. The fact that it is based on true events makes it all the more impactful.
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