The Piano Teacher (2001) Review in 2025
A psychological drama that explores the complex and dark world of a piano teacher, delving into themes of repression, desire, and the blurring of boundaries.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, this movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, explicit content, and disturbing scenes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of psychological dramas and thrillers. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes and explicit content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Erika Kohut, a repressed and emotionally closed-off piano teacher, who becomes entangled in a complex web of relationships with her students, including a young man named Walter, and her mother, leading to a series of intense and disturbing events.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is complex, dark, and thought-provoking, exploring themes of repression, desire, and the blurring of boundaries. The plot is engaging, but it can be slow-paced at times.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with standout performances from Isabelle Huppert and Benoît Magimel. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making the film feel more realistic and engaging.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed, complex, and multi-dimensional. Isabelle Huppert's performance as Erika Kohut is outstanding, bringing depth and nuance to the character.
direction9.50/10
Michael Haneke's direction is masterful, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. He expertly handles the complex themes and plot, making the film feel both disturbing and thought-provoking.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the dark and moody atmosphere of the film. The use of lighting and camera angles is effective in creating tension and unease.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's complex and thought-provoking themes, outstanding performances, and masterful direction make it a standout in the psychological drama genre.
Cons
The slow-paced plot and disturbing content may not appeal to all audiences.
Notable Quotes
"I don't want to be a piano teacher. I want to be a pianist."
"I'm not a monster, I'm just a woman with a lot of pain."
"You're not a piano teacher, you're a monster."
