The Pianist

Based on the true memoir of Władysław Szpilman, The Pianist follows a celebrated Warsaw musician struggling to survive the brutal Nazi occupation of Poland during World War II. Directed by Roman Polanski, the film is a harrowing and deeply personal account of loss, endurance, and the redemptive power of music. Adrien Brody delivers an Oscar-winning performance that captures both physical deterioration and unbreakable human spirit.

• Adrien Brody lost 30 pounds to prepare for the role.
• Director Roman Polanski survived the Warsaw Ghetto as a child.
• Brody sold his apartment and car before filming began.
• The film won three Academy Awards including Best Director.
• Brody learned to play Chopin pieces for the film.

• Why do you play? - I don't know, I just... play.
• If you could justify God's actions, we must be criminals.
• I don't know... I'm a pianist.
• You should be grateful to me.
• Don't worry. To die - that's nothing. But to live frightened... that's terrible.