THE PIANO (1993)

Directed by Jane Campion

It is the mid-nineteenth century. Ada (Holly Hunter)is a mute who has a young daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin). In an arranged marriage she leaves her native Scotland accompanied by her daughter and her beloved piano. Life in the rugged forests of New Zealand's South Island is not all she may have imagined and nor is her relationship with her new husband Stewart (Sam Neil). She suffers torment and loss when Stewart sells her piano to a neighbour, George (Harvey Keitel). Ada learns from George that she may earn back her piano by giving him piano lessons, but only with certain other conditions attached. At first Ada despises George but slowly their relationship is transformed and this propels them into a dire situation.

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing and Best Costume Design

Won 3, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay

DVD Special Features:

None

THE MISSION (1986)

Directed by Roland Joffe

Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) ascends the mountains of Brazil to bring christianity to the natives. He is successful and brings about a golden age among them. Mendoza (Robert De Niro), a slave buyer and Mercenery, kills his brother in a fit of rage, and only Fr. Gabriel's guidance prevents his suicide. Gabriel brings Mendoza to work at his mission with the natives, and Mendoza finds peace and asks to become a priest. The church , under pressure, cedes the land to the Portuguese which will allow slavers in again. Mendoza breaks his vows and organizes the natives to resist while Gabriel warns him to help them as a priest.

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Art/Set Decoration, Best Original Score and Best Costume Design

Won 1, Best Cinematography

DVD Special Features:

None