'Groundbreaking' war film left viewers 'in tears' streaming on Amazon Prime

One of the most heart-wrenching films of our time, which had cinema-goers sobbing in their seats, is now available for you to watch from the comfort of your own home.

While some war films like 1917 or Hacksaw Ridge have you gripping your seat with their vivid portrayals of trench warfare, making every bullet and mortar shell feel real, others explore the stories unfolding far from the front line.

Delving into a tale just as harrowing, 2002's The Pianist features two-time Academy Award winner Adrian Brody in his first Oscar-winning role as Wadysaw Szpilman.

The film is an adaptation of Szpilman's autobiographical book, published in 1946.

His memoir chronicles his experiences as a Polish-Jewish pianist and composer in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. From being herded into a Jewish Ghetto to being torn apart from his family, who are sent to Treblinka concentration camp, he then hides in various locations in Warsaw, slowly wasting away until the Soviet forces arrive in Poland in 1945, reports the Express.

A truly poignant piece of cinema, the film was highly acclaimed upon its release. At the 2003 Oscars, it bagged three awards for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay, while also being nominated in four other categories, including Best Picture.

For the role, Brody pushed himself to the brink, adopting method acting techniques, he embarked on a near-starvation diet, shedding 30lbs and reducing his body weight to just over nine stone.

To maintain his emaciated appearance on camera, he refused food and "barely drank water".

To allow him preparation time, the movie was filmed in reverse order, enabling him to put on weight during production.

For the part, Brody adopted an extreme starvation regime and shed 30 lbs. , bringing his weight down to just 129 lbs.

The actor was reported to be "barely drinking water" when filming commenced on the movie, which was shot backwards, depicting Szpilman at his most weakened state.

Under Roman Polanski's direction, the cast delivered powerful performances alongside Brody, including Thomas Kretschmann, Maureen Lipman and Emilia Fox.

Audiences embraced the film as well, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding it a "Certified Fresh" rating of 95% and 96% on its popcornmeter, whilst IMDB rankings place it as the 45th greatest film of all time.

On the platform, one critic wrote: "A master work on humanity vs. inhumanity, on the resilience and mercy of art, and on the personal horrors brought on by one of the world's darkest events."

Another said: "Deserves its place in the annals of the great historical movies. Movies that offer us a fleeting glance into a different time, a different community, and at its core, an individual's incredible experience."

The picture can be streamed via Studio Canal Presents subscription or rented through Amazon Prime or Apple TV.