79
Metascore
26 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Portland OregonianKim MorganPortland OregonianKim MorganDaring work of genius.
- 90Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasThe Piano Teacher will surely be too strong for some audiences and is best left to those who like films that take big risks and get away with them.
- 80The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenHas the feel of a clinical case study elevated into a subject of aesthetic and philosophical discourse.
- 80New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter RainerNew York Magazine (Vulture)Peter RainerHaneke is an exploitation filmmaker of the highest gifts. His movies are not to be entered into lightly.
- 80New Times (L.A.)Jean OppenheimerNew Times (L.A.)Jean OppenheimerHuppert has never looked more beautiful. Despite her severe expression and lack of makeup, her face communicates enormous character. She proves absolutely spellbinding.
- 80The New YorkerDavid DenbyThe New YorkerDavid DenbyA seriously scandalous work, beautifully made, and it deserves a sizable audience that might argue over it, appreciate it -- even hate it. [1 April 2002, p. 98]
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittIts grimness is explicit, so approach it with caution.
- 75Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumThe audience for this grimly disquieting film is, or ought to be, self-selecting.
- 50VarietyDavid RooneyVarietyDavid RooneyWhatever valid points are being explored are hopelessly clouded by the film's unwavering earnestness as it descends into silliness and excess.