"The Piano Lesson" Movie Review: Danielle Deadwyler Shines In This Family Drama Toiling With New and Old Ways

by Evan L. Jackson 

Danielle Deadwyler's eye acting in "The Piano Lesson" is searing! Piercing at all times, be it a darted and annoyed look she give John David Washington's character -who plays her brother is this family saga drama. Or the sadness welting in her eyes talking to her gentleman friend, the preacher played by Corey Hawkins. She is the North Star of this film. John David Washington serves as the rock of this film. Hard headed and unflinching in his stance until he's broken down. The Piano Lesson serves as a metaphor for the family struggle and which direction to go in. Do you forgo a cherished family heirloom with mass significance that reverberates through generations or do you keep on to it, knowing that its sentiment of keeping it inspires the future.