The Piano Lesson
critic Reviews
, 88% Certified Fresh Tomatometer Score- A Southern Gothic played at a ferocious key, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson's words to vivid life with an outstanding ensemble.
- , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreLeila LatifLittle White Lies
It lands as more of a showcase of assembling the many talents on board rather than an adaptation shining a new light on an already treasured work.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreSheri FlandersChicago Reader
An exquisite film rendition of an American stage classic, The Piano Lesson promises to strike a powerful chord within the soul.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreHannah GiorgisThe Atlantic
Netflix’s adaptation faithfully renders this concern for the quotidian, albeit with a more stylish patina. Malcolm’s directorial choices diverge from his father’s old-school creative sensibilities; the pacing is faster, the music more dramatic.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreAdam GrahamDetroit News
And the movie's turn toward supernatural horror feels like an abrupt shift in tone, a too literal illustration of the film's haunting themes.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreCandice FrederickHuffPost
But so much of the film is like inside baseball for people who already have seen this story in its many other forms. Neither the performances nor August Wilson are done justice here.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreRobert LevinNewsday
A first-rate adaptation.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreErnesto DiezmartinezLetras Libres
Malcolm Washington explores the repercussions of his traumatic past on the difficult present of his African American characters in his debut feature, an adaptation of a play by August Wilson.[Full review in Spanish]
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreSheraz FarooqiCinemaDebate
Highly recommend this adaption of August Wilson’s play, highlighted by great performances from Washington, Fisher, and Deadwyler.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreNicholas BellFish Jelly Films (YouTube)
Somehow, by broadening Wilson's classic play with this lavish production design, director Malcolm Washington suffocates and muddles the source material's poetic subtleties.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreMax GaoElle
Danielle Deadwyler delivers another powerhouse performance as Berniece, a widowed single mother who refuses to let her brother Boy Willie sell their heirloom to buy the land their ancestors were enslaved upon.
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