A haunting Kiwi classic written and directed by the great Jane Campion, The Piano is a landmark of feminist cinema featuring Sam Neill in one of his most memorable villain roles. 

The Piano dazzled critics and audiences alike on its release in 1993, winning the Palme d'Or (the first for a film directed by a woman) and launching Jane Campion as a major figure in world cinema. The success was all the more surprising given the film tackled themes of colonialism, patriarchy and female sexuality - but Campion's stunning visual evocation of 19th century New Zealand, and of the inner life of her silent protagonist, proved impossible for audiences to resist.

Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin won Oscars for their roles as the mute woman and her daughter sent to the other side of the world for an arranged marriage to a white settler played by Neill. As the cruel, tyrannical husband, Neill's role could easily have become a caricature, but the great man brought a compelling mixture of menace, insecurity and wounded pride to the part.