DIRECTOR: Malcolm Washington
PRODUCERS: Denzel Washington & Todd Black
WRITERS: Malcolm Washington & Virgil Williams
PERFORMERS: Samuel L. Jackson John David Washington Ray Fisher Michael Potts
Erykah Badu Skylar Aleece Smith Danielle Deadwyler Corey Hawkins
August Wilson's plays are consistently being adapted into films, driven by Denzel Washington's exceptional skills behind the camera (with his son Malcolm skillfully taking the reins for this one) and now his prowess as a producer. This latest adaptation of Wilson's plays is undeniably the finest I've seen in a long time. If Fences or Ma Rainey's Black Bottom impressed you, then The Piano Lesson is an unforgettable experience and a lesson worth learning!
Set in the 1930s, right after the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson confidently narrates the story of an African American family grappling with the balance between family values and personal ambition. Central to this narrative is a piano adorned with artistic carvings rich in ancestral significance. While Fences focused on preserving family and dreams thought lost, this tale offers a more compelling exploration of life in the South, illustrating how a single object can unite and divide. It simultaneously addresses confronting past demons (2 Timothy 1:7) to forge a brighter future.
The performances are nothing short of extraordinary, particularly from John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. Washington delivers a top-tier portrayal as the character Willie Boy, while Danielle Deadwyler embodies Berniece with compelling authenticity. Washington's performance is intensely raw; his voice alone makes you forget he's the son of the legendary actor. He sounds, acts, and behaves just like him! Whenever he spoke, his presence was undeniable. There were moments when you wished he would step back, yet his past made you conflicted about feeling sympathy or disdain. Deadwyler's character journey resonated more profoundly than Washington's, as she represented the perseverance of what is precious, contrasting with Washington's focus on shaping the present by disregarding the past. Then there's Jackson, whose acting brilliance shines through. This is his finest work since Pulp Fiction thirty years ago. It's so outstanding that it could very well earn him an Oscar!
This film is immensely enjoyable, with its clear narrative and beautifully executed themes of family and ancestral values, brought to life through a superbly written script, outstanding production, and the involvement of the right people. The addition of the horror genre, featuring images of a terrifying figure appearing intermittently, intensifies the conflict surrounding the piano (the figure was visible in certain scenes, making the audience aware of his presence). Every aspect of this film, particularly the climax (Psalm 31:24), unfolds brilliantly, sparking the imagination of what it must have been like when it was exclusively available on stage back in 1987. This is truly on-screen theatricality at its finest!
Declaring The Piano Lesson the best film of the year falls short; it truly merits every accolade. This is not just because of the Washington family's involvement, but due to the masterful storytelling, dynamic character development, and profound connection to our shared history. Family teaches us to remember our roots and honor those who came before us. Each generation has a legacy to uphold, often struggling to balance holding on to what matters and letting go (Philippians 3:13-14). The Piano Lesson captures this struggle in every aspect, remaining powerfully relevant today and for generations to come. Whatever Mr. Wilson's next project may be, it faces a high bar given the effectiveness and power of this film. A must-see and a definite Oscar contender!
MY RATING: 5+ out of 5!!!!
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