The Piano

Main Plot

The Piano is set in the mid-19th century and follows the story of a mute woman named Ada, who travels to New Zealand with her young daughter for an arranged marriage. Ada, deeply connected to her piano, uses it as her voice and means of expression. Upon arriving, she finds herself in a remote and harsh environment, where her new husband, Alisdair, is indifferent to her needs and passions. Struggling with her isolation, Ada forms a complex relationship with a local worker named Baines, who becomes fascinated by her music. As Ada navigates her emotions and desires, the piano becomes a symbol of her struggle for autonomy and connection. The film explores themes of love, power, and the intersection of art and personal freedom against the backdrop of a rugged landscape.

Characters

• Holly Hunter plays Ada McGrath, a mute pianist who communicates through her piano and sign language, navigating love and survival in 19th-century New Zealand.
• Harvey Keitel plays George Baines, a settler who forms a complex relationship with a mute pianist, ultimately helping her regain her voice and independence.
• Sam Neill plays Alisdair Stewart, a settler who marries Ada and becomes entangled in a complex love triangle involving her piano and another man.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Piano, the main conflict reaches a resolution as Ada, who has been struggling with her voice and autonomy throughout the film, makes a profound choice. After a tumultuous relationship with Baines and the oppressive circumstances surrounding her marriage to Stewart, Ada finds herself at a crossroads. The climax occurs when she confronts her feelings for Baines, who has shown her kindness and understanding, contrasting sharply with Stewart's cruelty. In a pivotal moment, Ada decides to reclaim her agency by choosing to be with Baines. This decision is symbolized by her final act of playing the piano, which she had previously used as a means of expression and connection. However, in a dramatic turn, she sacrifices the piano by allowing it to sink into the water, signifying the release of her past and the constraints that have held her back. This act embodies her transformation and the shedding of her former life. The film concludes with Ada embracing her new identity and future with Baines, suggesting a sense of hope and renewal. The ending encapsulates the themes of liberation, the power of music, and the complexities of love, ultimately providing a poignant resolution to Ada's journey toward self-discovery.