Shine

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1:33

Shine

PG-13

1996

1h 45m

Biography

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

As a child piano prodigy, David Helfgott's musical ambitions generate friction with his overbearing father, Peter. 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.

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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

02/26/2018

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

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

09/07/2011

B+

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

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David Stratton

Variety

10/18/2008

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

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

10/28/2015

B-

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

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Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

02/01/2011

4/5

Intense, gripping mental-illness music drama.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

12/25/2007

A-

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.

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sim M

@RT27990293 12/11/2024

The film is touching and authentic. It shows how toxic parenting can destroy children's entire lives.

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Alex F

@RT75856790 07/12/2024

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

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Dean C

@RT73219312 03/23/2024

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.

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Leaburn O

@RT35452347 03/21/2024

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.

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John H

@JLHIII 02/06/2024

Solid biopic with a great performance by Geoffrey Rush.

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Raphael G

@raphagimenes 01/10/2024

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.

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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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Shine: Trailer 1

1:33

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Synopsis

As a child piano prodigy, David Helfgott's musical ambitions generate friction with his overbearing father, Peter. 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