The Piano
I'm not sure I would consider The Piano a feminist film.
We talked a little bit about the idea of agency Ada had within the film, and the time period the film takes place was also brought up. Like Rachel mentioned, the exact dates taking place were never mentioned. This is important when analyzing the film, because of the fact that it is not necessarily a historical piece of fiction. The only knowledge we have about the time period comes across from the clothes they wear, the buildings they live in, and their mannerisms. There is also a tiny mention of the colonization of New Zealand. Because the film is not based on a true story, and there is no critical look at a specific time or event in history, my question is why then? Why does the filmmaker decide to place this particular love story in that time?
What it comes down to is that it is a love story. And I don't understand how a love story could be considered feminist that depicts the main female character being coerced into a physical relationship with the man she eventually falls in love with. Someone in class mentioned that the moment she decides she wants him is the moment he almost rapes her. I agree with this sentiment. There was nothing romantic or feminist to me about such a perverse use of control over a woman.
As far as agency goes, I think the fact that Ada can not speak says a lot about that issue. Not only can she not act on her own behalf (in the end, it is not her choice that saves her from a horrible marriage, but her husband's choice to give her away), but she can not even speak to let her oppressor know, in her own voice, that she is unhappy with the situation.