JIFF: The Pianist's Choice

Le choix du pianiste

“A romantic, poignant and captivating film, driven by the emotional power of the music ” – In the Mood for Cinema

“A truly wonderful film, telling a superb love story .” – Unification France

Australian Premiere

This sumptuous historical romance follows a young virtuoso pianist named François Touraine. His piano teacher, a Jewish woman named Rachel, recognises great promise in him, so she guides him in his studies to be accomplished enough to enter the conservatory. Years go by and their relationship evolves into more than just student and teacher. But their life together falls under grave threat when the Nazis invade Paris. François is presented with an opportunity to help Rachel, but it comes at a great cost.

The Pianist’s Choice is furnished by meticulous period detail in its production design and a soaring score composed by Dimitri Naïditch (who also wrote music for Claude Lelouch’s Chacun sa vie). Oscar Lesage (The Substance) gives a charismatic performance as François alongside Pia Lagrange and Zoé Adjani in this humanistic drama about the personal moral crossroads we face during politically challenging times.

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

106 min

Country

France

Language

French (English subtitles)

Cast

Oscar Lesage, Pia Lagrange, Zoé Adjani

Director

Jacques Otmezguine