The Piano (1993)
A mute woman's piano becomes her voice in a bleak new world, forging an intimate, forbidden connection.
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.
How intense is The Piano?
The Piano has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is a slow burn, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Piano feels like
- Tone
- melancholyintimateatmosphericbleak
- Pace
- Slow burn
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream The Piano
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Piano for you?
Is The Piano scary?
No. The Piano is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is The Piano gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Piano sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is The Piano OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Piano?
The Piano runs 2h.
Where can I stream The Piano?
The Piano is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Piano have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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