- Description
The Pianist is the story of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a great pianist and acclaimed interpreter of Chopin's compositions. The story begins when Chopin's Nocturne in C# minor is played on Warsaw radio. The year is 1939 and Szpilman is 28 years old. Poland is invaded by German troops, who soon arrive in its capital Warsaw.
Almost immediately, severe restrictions are imposed on the local Jewish community. Szpilman and his family - his parents, brother and two sisters - have lived a contented life until now, but soon they too are forced to submit to the humiliating rules. In addition to running out of money and food, they must wear the Star of David on their hands under threat of severe punishment. Gradually the pressure increases and the family gets worse and worse off. Soon they are forced to sell paintings, silver, furniture and eventually Szpilman's precious piano. The biggest blow, however, is the decision that all Jews are to be placed in a closed compound surrounded by high walls - a place that will soon go down in history as the Warsaw Ghetto...