The Piano Lesson Parents Guide and Age Rating:
The Piano Lesson, set to be released on Netflix on November 22, 2024, is a moving drama that dives deep into family heritage, history, and the struggles of the past. Directed by Malcolm Washington, this film adaptation of August Wilson’s play portrays the emotional and physical battles that take place within the Charles family. At the heart of the story is an heirloom, a piano passed down through generations, which carries powerful carvings made by an enslaved ancestor. The film centers around the differing views of a brother and sister on what should be done with this piano, exploring themes of family, memory, and legacy.
The Piano Lesson Age Rating: PG-13
The Piano Lesson has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association (MPA). This means the film may not be suitable for children under 13, and parents are cautioned to provide guidance when allowing their teens to watch.
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Reasons for the PG-13 Rating:
- Strong Language: Throughout the movie, characters use language that could be considered harsh or explicit. The dialogue reflects the emotional intensity and the struggles of the characters, some of whom express their anger or frustration through strong words. This kind of language is one of the key reasons the movie is not appropriate for younger viewers.
- Violent Content: The Piano Lesson features scenes of physical conflict and violent tension, especially as the characters grapple with deep emotional and historical issues. The violent content is not gratuitous but is an integral part of the story, which focuses on the struggles and pain of the past. Although the film does not showcase graphic violence, the emotional impact of these moments may be unsettling for younger audiences.
- Suggestive References: The Piano Lesson includes some suggestive or mature themes, particularly relating to relationships and family dynamics. These elements may be uncomfortable for younger viewers or those who are not mature enough to process the complexities of the storyline. The discussions of past traumas and complex relationships might also touch on sensitive subjects such as slavery and its long-lasting effects, which may not be suitable for all ages.
- Smoking: Like many period dramas, The Piano Lesson features characters who smoke. The presence of smoking is often seen in films that reflect certain historical time periods, and in this case, it is consistent with the film’s setting and the characters’ lifestyles. However, the inclusion of smoking adds to the mature tone of the film, which is another contributing factor to its PG-13 rating.
Movie Details:
| Title | The Piano Lesson |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 22, 2024 |
| Director | Malcolm Washington |
| Writers | Virgil Williams, Malcolm Washington, August Wilson |
| Genres | Drama, Music |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Language | English |
| Filming Locations | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Production Companies | Mundy Lane Entertainment, Netflix Studios |
| Runtime | 2 hours 5 minutes |
| Age Rating | PG-13 |
Top Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Samuel L. Jackson | Doaker |
| John David Washington | Boy Willie |
| Danielle Deadwyler | Berniece |
| Ray Fisher | Lymon |
| Corey Hawkins | Avery |
| Michael Potts | Wining Boy |
| Skylar Aleece Smith | Maretha |
| Stephan James | Boy Charles |
| Erykah Badu | Lucille |
| Malik J Ali | Willie Boy |
| Charity Jordan | Mama Berniece |
| Isaiah Gunn | Young Boy Willie |
| Matrell Smith | Crawley |
| Jerrika Hinton | Grace |
| Gail Bean | Dolly |
| Eilan Joseph | Papa Boy Walter |
| Pauletta Washington | Mama Ola |
| Olivia Washington | Young Mama Ola |
Storyline:
The movie takes place in the Charles family home, focusing on a crucial disagreement between brother and sister, Boy Willie and Berniece. Boy Willie, a sharecropper, wants to sell the family’s prized piano to buy the land where their ancestors were enslaved, including land once owned by the Sutter family. This would allow Boy Willie to take control of the land and honor his heritage.
On the other hand, his sister, Berniece, is deeply attached to the piano, which is intricately carved with the faces of their great-grandfather’s wife and son, symbolic of their painful past in slavery. The two siblings argue over the piano’s future, with each believing their choice is the right one to preserve or change their family’s legacy. This conflict drives the emotional core of the film, highlighting the tension between honoring the past and fighting for the future.