The Pianist

RECOMMENDATION:

DESCRIPTION:

A screen adaptation of the World War II memoirs of the outstanding musician Władysław Szpilman, in which Warsaw itself is an equally important character – a city that symbolizes a Poland falling, ruined, and reborn.

One of the most awarded Polish films (in this case a co-production) in history: the Palme d’Or at Cannes, 3 Academy Awards – Adrien Brody (Best Actor), Roman Polański (Best Director), Ronald Harwood (Best Adapted Screenplay) and four other nominations, 2 BAFTAs (Best Film and Best Director) plus 5 other nominations, 7 Césars (out of 10 nominations) including Best Film – the first time in history that the French Academy awarded a film in which not a single word of French is spoken, 8 Eagles – Polish Film Academy Awards out of 13 nominations, and over 100 other distinctions.

GALLERY:

LET’S TALK ABOUT:

Władysław Szpilman’s family decides to stay in Poland upon hearing that England and France have entered the war. Unfortunately, their hopes – and the hopes of all Poles – will be dashed – have you ever experienced a deep disappointment because of something or someone?

Imagine that, like the characters in the film, you lose everything overnight – all your possessions – how would you feel?

Which material things would you miss the most?

The characters experience a loss of freedom – do you have any experience of someone or something limiting your freedom?

The horror of the ghetto – an extremely difficult experience for everyone who found themselves there. What do you think is the most dramatic and difficult aspect of it?

Before being transported to the concentration camp, the family shares a single toffee candy bought with their last money – how does this scene resonate with your own experience of family?

In some scenes, Władysław Szpilman seems to be the last living resident of Warsaw – how would you feel as the last person alive in your city?

Do you experience loneliness? If so, what feelings does it evoke in you?

How do you build – or how would you like to build – relationships with others?

Do you think building relationships is easy or difficult in today’s world, and why?

Many people help Szpilman survive – in the end, a German officer does so. Have you ever experienced unexpected kindness from a person you would never have expected it from?

It is fair to say that Szpilman’s talent also saved his life – what are your talents?

Which talents that other people possess impress you the most?

People hide the truth about themselves behind various masks – are you curious about the truth about others? How can one reach and discover that truth?

Is the story of Władysław Szpilman in any way inspiring to you?

Which of the values (listed below) would you like to pay more attention to in your life in the near future?

List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Orderliness, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Faithfulness, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life