10 Great Films About Forbidden Love
2. The Piano (1993)
The Piano is perhaps best remembered by many for winning Anna Paquin an Oscar when she was only eleven-years-old, and whilst she is undeniably an absolute triumph in the film, The Piano's biggest strength is its emotionally rich love story between mute pianist Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) and sailor George Baines (Harvey Keitel).
In the film, Ada is married off to an emotionally distant and eventually abusive frontiersman (Sam Neill) in New Zealand, moving there with her daughter (Paquin) and forming a relationship with Baines in the midst of her loveless marriage.
A haunting, beautiful tale of love - both romantic and familial - and the power of music and fighting for what you love, The Piano is brilliantly put together, and anchored by an Oscar-winning Hunter. It's at times a distressing watch, but never overcooks the melodrama. Rather, it's the perfect balance of tragedy and hopefulness.
A brilliant character study and moody period piece, The Piano is a must-see for any major film fan.