Shine
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24

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  1. Compi24
    Jan 25, 2013
    8
    Just when I thought I had most of the best "biographical dramas" accounted for, "Shine" comes out of left field and gloriously sideswipes me with its beautifully inspiring story, provocative structure, and its manifestly perfect performance from Geoffrey Rush.
  2. nutterjr
    Nov 1, 2011
    8
    Geoffrey Rush is phenomenal in this movie, the kind of performance that turns this into a must see film and deservedly won an Oscar among other accolades. Armin Mueller-Stahl is also brilliant and although outshone by Rush, still deserves a mention.
  3. trevt.
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    This film is a beautiful representation of this amazing mans life.
  4. GeorgeM.
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Deep, full of love, perfectly acted and brings up the question: who is really insane?
  5. FelixQ.
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    Truly a piece of art. So many times are mentally handicapped people- whether having been born that way or later becoming so- portrayed in a very cookie cutter way. I am Sam and The Other Sister come to mind- although these two films are both great in their own respect and fulfill a very important role, Shine goes the route that desperately needed to be explored. I think one thing that sets this apart for me was the format. We don't follow the younger David only to be told *Shock!* he suffers a mental setback! We're not focusing on the fact, either. This film is about the man behind the talent, and the talent that fronts a mental ilness that proved to be David's challenge in place of possibly poverty or a physical disability. We explore the diversity of a character instead of getting pre-occupied by his set-backs. I would say, for me, this missed the 10/10 because it's so very much a product of it's time. Of course, the time stamp is inevitable, but there have been great films that have transcended that- this one did not. But still an amazing piece of art, when all is said and done.… Expand
  6. JohnH.
    Jul 31, 2003
    10
    Powerful performances by all.
  7. PatC.
    Jan 19, 2004
    8
    A powerful expose of the livestyle of those who are talented and disciplined far beyond the context of most to comprehend. Again, as we saw in Amadeus, the gap is not that large. If it was, who would be left to appreciate the accomplishments of the gifted?
  8. mariaf.
    May 15, 2005
    10
    Absolutely wonderful. I didn't want the movie (or David's playing to finish).

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    83
    Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste.
  2. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Staff [Not Credited]
    75
    Shine has a story to reckon with and powerhouse male performances.
    Read full review
  3. TNT RoughCut
    Reviewed by: Andy Jones
    90
    A deeply affecting allegory that explores the symbiotic relationship between genius and madness.
See all critic reviews »