The Pianist

"The Pianist," directed by Polish-born Roman Polanski, is a movie modified in 2002 from the famous memoir of the same name by Jewish pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman. The film tells the true story of Szpilman's experiences during the Holocaust caused by Nazi Germany. Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" is one of the best movies of his career, showcasing the power of music and art.

Awards and Recognition

Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" has become a cinematic classic, winning numerous prestigious awards worldwide, including three Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Director, and several other awards from festivals like Cannes and Cesar.

Roman Polanski was honoured to win the Best Director prize for his exceptional direction. And Andrian Brody, who played Wladyslaw Szpilman, won the Best Actor prize in the Pianist.

Szpilman’s Pre-War Life and War Impact

Before the war, pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman was renowned for his gentle and captivating piano performances. However, the peace in his music was shattered by the war. Szpilman and his family, along with millions of other Jews, were sent to concentration camps and brutally mistreated. He was subjected to forced labour and was deprived of his basic human rights, including his fundamental right to live.

Hiding in a Mansion

One of Roman Polansky's "The Pianist" most famous and poignant scenes is when Szpilman, hiding in a broken-down mansion, is on the brink of death while opening his last can of beans. A German officer discovers him but, instead of killing him, asks Szpilman to play the piano. With all his love for music, his country, and the suppressed pain of a true artist, Szpilman transforms into a saint as he plays Chopin's piece of music.

Initially, Szpilman engages deeply with music calmly, peacefully, and untroubledly. He chose a Chopin piece reflecting the patriotism of the Polish people, playing with skilled fingers as if for the last time. The officer, impressed by Szpilman's talent, provided him with food and a coat, helping him survive the harsh winter. In the presence of music and art, national, ethnic, ideological, and duty barriers disappear, leaving only love between two strangers. The film beautifully conveys the message that war cannot erase the human values within us.

Memoir and Adaptation

Although the film "The Pianist" faithfully retells Szpilman's memoir, it was only published once, in 1946, right after the war, during an entire confusion period. It was largely forgotten due to its painful truths that people were not ready to confront.

Reviving the Story and Introducing Szpilman's saver, Wilhelm Hosenfeld

It wasn't until 2002, over 50 years later, that the talented director Roman Polanski's "The Pianist" brought the story to the screen with stunning realism. The film moved audiences with resilience, willpower, a true artist's spirit, and human kindness shining brightly in the darkness of war. Thanks to the film's tremendous success, the world came to know a silent hero, a genuinely good person who had been forgotten during the war and who became a symbol of kindness and courage. Nazi officer Wilhelm Adalbert Hosenfeld, Szpilman's saver.

Hosenfeld’s Personal Conscience and Compassion

Upon realizing the fearful genocide Hitler was perpetrating, Hosenfeld risked his life and rejected his misguided oath to help innocent Jews. The oath was a result of being misled by Hitler's deceptive ideals that lured many Germans into joining the Nazi Party and his army.

Hosenfeld’s Legacy and Recognition

Author Hermann Vinke, in his book "I Always See the Human Being Before Me," praised Hosenfeld: "His ethics and kindness were preserved throughout the war" and "he was like a lighthouse in the darkness." Some excerpts from Hosenfeld's diaries and letters to his family reveal his thoughts, remorse, and compassion for prisoners for the first time he wrote to his wife: "I think people see that I am suffering with them. It is heartbreaking to see these wretched people, but we are powerless. But I seek out and help those I can." He told his wife that he was "wearing the uniform of criminals" and felt "ashamed to be German."

In 1943, after witnessing the last Jews being either shot or gassed during the suppression of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, he wrote in his diary: "These people treated like animals. With the disgusting mass murder of Jews, we have lost this war. We brought upon ourselves an eternal curse and will forever bear the shame. We have no right to ask for forgiveness or mercy. I feel ashamed walking through this city." "It is unbelievable, although it is true. Yesterday, I saw two of these monsters (SS soldiers) on a tram. They were carrying electric sticks as they left the ghetto. I wanted to throw these beasts under the tram. How cowardly we are, wanting to be better and allowing all this to happen. For this, we and our children will be punished, for we allowed these crimes; we are complicit in them." "These monsters think we will win this way. But we have lost with the genocide of Jews. We have brought ourselves an indelible shame, a curse that cannot be undone. We do not deserve mercy; we are all guilty." Despite being drawn into the army of the devil. Hosenfeld's inherent goodness led him to recognize the true nature of the atrocities and stand up to protect the innocent.

Global Honors for Hosenfeld

He has been honoured globally for his bravery, kindness, and progressive thinking. In 2007, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded Hosenfeld the prestigious title of "Righteous Among the Nations," given to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews. In 2009, the Polish Prime Minister awarded Hosenfelf the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

Message of the Film

The powerful message the film, based on a true story, leaves with viewers is one of humanity, love, and faith in people. Music and the strength of art amplify the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the darkest times, music words miracles by dispelling war, erasing hatred, and bringing people together.