Shine

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Shine

PG-13

Released Jan 21, 1996

1h 45m

Biography

Drama

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Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

As a child piano prodigy, David Helfgott's (Geoffrey Rush) musical ambitions generate friction with his overbearing father, Peter (Armin Mueller-Stahl). When Helfgott travels to London on a musical scholarship, his career as a pianist blossoms. However, the pressures of his newfound fame, coupled with the echoes of his tumultuous childhood, conspire to bring Helfgott's latent schizophrenia boiling to the surface, and he spends years in and out of various mental institutions.

Critics Consensus

Featuring a strong performance from Geoffrey Rush, Shine succeeds in telling a compelling, inspirational story without resorting to cheap sentimentality.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

As befits the subject, with his taste for the romantic repertoire, Shine' is not afraid of stirring up big emotions. It earns them honorably.

Feb 26, 2018

Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste, but some of that illumination is the work of our own reflector lamps.

Rated: B+

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

David Stratton

Variety

[Helfgott's] extraordinary life is intelligently charted here, and the three actors who play him at different stages are all exceptional.

Oct 18, 2008

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Inspired by the true story of the Australian classical pianist prodigy David Helfgott.

Rated: B-

Oct 28, 2015

Full Review

Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Intense, gripping mental-illness music drama.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 1, 2011

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

With the exception of a few overwrought scenes, Hicks' Australian biopic of pianist David Helfgott, which caused a bidding war at the 1996 Sundance Fest, is fresh and emotionally stirring without being sentimental or cliched.

Rated: A-

Dec 25, 2007

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Alex F

Despite a slightly slow start, the last 2/3 of the film is incredible. A really heartwarming true-story filled with emotion.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/12/24

Full Review

Dean C

Brilliant performance by Geoffrey Rush, good sound mixing and some well shot scenes. It just didn't engage me as much especially in the third act.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

Leaburn O

A decent enough film, questionable as to the extent to which it reflects true events. I'm unconvinced it's gripping enough to be a Best Picture nominee but it was an ok watch, especially early on, with shades of Whiplash about it. I watched on DVD as it has largely been forgotten elsewhere.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/21/24

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John H

Solid biopic with a great performance by Geoffrey Rush.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/24

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Raphael G

One of my favorite movies during my teenage years, especially between 16 and 18. It inspired me a lot and led me to the discovery of Rachmaninoff's music.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

TJ F

A classic that you can always watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/23

Full Review

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Scott Hicks

Director

Geoffrey Rush

David as an Adult

Justin Braine

Tony

Sonia Todd

Sylvia

Armin Mueller-Stahl

Peter

Noah Taylor

David as an Adolescent

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Synopsis

As a child piano prodigy, David Helfgott's (Geoffrey Rush) musical ambitions generate friction with his overbearing father, Peter (Armin Mueller-Stahl). When Helfgott travels to London on a musical scholarship, his career as a pianist blossoms. However, the pressures of his newfound fame, coupled with the echoes of his tumultuous childhood, conspire to bring Helfgott's latent schizophrenia boiling to the surface, and he spends years in and out of various mental institutions.

Director: Scott Hicks
Producer: Jane Scott
Screenwriter: Scott Hicks, Jan Sardi
Distributor: Fine Line Features
Production Co: Film Victoria
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 10, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.9M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Surround