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Shine

PG-13 Released Jan 21, 1996 1h 45m Biography Drama List
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.
Shine

What to Know

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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Critics Reviews

View All (44) Critics Reviews
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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review John H Solid biopic with a great performance by Geoffrey Rush. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/06/24 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
Shine

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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