Hunter stars as Ada, an unwed mother who hasn't spoken since she was 6 years old. Her and her daughter Flora (Paquin) have traveled to 19th century New Zealand in a marriage arranged by Ada's father.

Her new husband (My Man Sam) arrives on the beach to retrieve his new family, and is taken by surprise to find that Ada has brought with her a grand piano, sitting elegantly in the New Zealand surf. Unaware of the importance the piano has to the mute woman, he is forced to leave it behind.

Stewart is accompanied by his neighbor Baines (Keitel), who is taken by the sight of Ada, and he makes a deal with his friend. He will buy the piano from Stewart, and have it brought to his home. In exchange, Stewart agrees to have his wife give Baines lessons on the instrument.

The piano is Ada's voice to the world, and tho' Stewart is a good hearted man who falls in love with his wife, he never truly understands her need to express herself with her music. Baines does, and his understanding and lust for the silent Ada takes control of the movie.

Tho' Ada seems at first repelled by the advances of Baines, he tells her she can win her piano back key by key, just by playing for him. Bit by bit however, he ups the ante. Soon she is playing for the man in her corset, while he lays under the piano and looks up her dress, and her desire for Baines grows as large as his for her.

Ada's daughter Flora has meanwhile adjusted very well to her new home, and a good relationship has developed between her and her new "Papa". She is mostly bored and irritated by her mother's affair, not understanding why she has been forbidden to enter Baines' home when the lessons are taking place.

When she voices her suspicions to her stepfather, his jealousy is roused. His wife has repeatedly teased and tormented him, while denying him any sexual release at all.

When the passions finally explode, the outcome is surprising and shocking.

BACK TO MY MAN SAM. Some pictures provided by the The Official Sam Neill Homepage and the Piano Page Thanks!