Its a family heirloom, passed down several generations and proof of how their lineage endured hardship and tragedy.
For Willie Boy Charles, the main character in Wilsons masterwork, its a ticket to a better life.
For his sister Berniece, its… well, its complicated for Berniece.
John David Washington and Skylar Aleece Smith in ‘The Piano Lesson.‘Netflix
But some things in this life you hold onto no matter what.
She may no longer play the piano.
But its not goinganywhere.
(The film is dedicated for mama.)
Lets take it from the top: The year is 1936.
The real reason theyve made the 1800 mile journey, however, is that piano.
(Ditto a drunken sing-along that turns into a percussive, philharmonic release.)
Having played Willie Boy onstage,John David Washingtonlikely knows this hungry, aspirational man inside and out.
Washington has screen presence for days, but theres not much modulation in his performance here.
Jacksons role is reduced to a series of reaction shots, which isnt his fault yet is still frustrating.
Yes,The Piano Lessonhits a few bum notes.
Its melody nonetheless remains intact.
