Spectacular cinematography of coastal New Zealand provides the backdrop to a visual feast in the 19th century set story of love, jealousy and fear.
Arriving from a privileged Scottish background, Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) is set to marry the wealthy but crude-living Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Travelling with her prized piano and a young daughter (Flora – Anna Paquin), she is not what Stewart or his household anticipated. But then life in the rainforests is not what Ada expected. Having not spoken a single word since she was six, things become even more complicated when her piano is sold off to neighbour and occasional employee, George (Harvey Keitel).
Writer and director Jane Campion sculpts a moody, evocative tale of time and place with Ada, as her husband’s property, desperate to escape. Gothic Romanticism rules the day in a tale that ultimately settles into a menage-a-trois, albeit with excellent performances and a truly memorable soundtrack by Michael Nyman.
Nominated for 8 Oscars in 1994 (including best film, director, cinematography), won 3 (best actress, supporting actress, original screenplay).
Rating: 72%
Director: Jane Campion (Angel at My Table, Bright Star)
Writer: Jane Campion (Angel at My Table, Bright Star)
Main cast: Holly Hunter (The Big Sick, Broadcast News), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Sweet Country), Anna Paquin (TV’s True Blood, Alias Grace)
An Opinion or Two 