From a distance, "The Piano" seems too preposterous for words; but then, as Ada knows all too well, words merely get in the way.

Hunter's gothic heroine is complemented by Stuart Dryburgh's dark cinematography and gaspingly restrictive widowy petticoats.

This is cinema that fills every sense.

he Piano holds up very well -- though she’s never yet made a film that wasn’t at least interesting, it remains Campion’s arguable best.