The Pianist

If Polanski hadn't indulged in almost autobiographical self-indulgence, it could have been a great film. But instead of focusing on the very strong story of the main character, the director inserted his own emotions and memories into his film, which don't have such power, although there was a lot of potential. Brody is scoring in astronomical numbers, but even that is not enough this time. (07/05/2006)

Weaker than peak Spielberg. More artistically routine, much less sophisticated visually, and more audience-friendly. Of course, it is colorful, meaning less art, but not that we should complain about it. The Pianist is an honest film full of emotions and heart-wrenching scenes, and the overall message of the project is equally impressive. But it certainly won't capture your heart as much as Schindler's List. (16/02/2014)

It's easy to recognize on the Pianist that the film was directed by someone who personally experienced the horrors of war and the Holocaust. It is an exceptionally powerful and authentic testimony of the fate of Jews during World War II. Unlike Spielberg's celebrated Schindler's List, it is not calculated and polished, which is reflected in slightly lower ratings. Unlike Spielberg, Polanski chooses the form of a chamber drama of a single man, however, it is an exceptional, touching, and excellently acted film. Overall impression: 100%. (14/06/2006)

When I saw Thomas Kretschmann's name in the credits, I thought he would play some classic Nazi pig, but I was pleasantly surprised. Roman Polanski made a film that doesn't stand out with brutality, the war was like that, but it stands out in how it can capture it incredibly rawly. In some scenes, you really have an unpleasant feeling, when you shudder at what people are capable of. And it doesn't matter if they were Germans or someone else later. Adrien Brody gave a great performance, story-wise it is a relatively classic story from that time. Many similar, but even crueler, stories were experienced. (04/04/2014)

I don't want to be too pathetic, but more films like this! So that people won’t forget the horrors that were committed, the horrors that the human race is capable of committing against itself, so that something like that doesn't happen again. And Adrien Brody, he blew me away! I completely lived his role with him, he was absolutely riveting and I'm so glad he got the Oscar. Just like Polanski, whose family was murdered by the Nazis and he knew very well what he was talking about – something clearly evident in this beautiful, haunting work. (01/06/2003)