| 100 |
The New Republic
If this weren't a true story, who would believe it? Well, a good many of us, probably. First, it's the kind of exceptional circumstance we like to dwell on as proof that pessimists are wrong; second, Shine is markedly well made, therefore persuasive. [Nov. 18, 1996]
|
| 100 |
Los Angeles Times
Popular filmmaking at its smartest and most persuasive.
|
| 100 |
Chicago Sun-Times
The fact that David Helfgott lived the outlines of these events--that he triumphed, that he fell, that he came slowly back--adds an enormous weight of meaning to the film.
|
| 100 |
Chicago Tribune
All but sweeps you away with its dazzling technique and shattering emotion. [27 November 1996, Tempo, p.1]
|
| 100 |
San Francisco Chronicle
Delivers a full emotional palette without undue sentimentalizing.
|
| 100 |
ReelViews
This is unbelievably rich material, and I can say without reservation that Scott Hicks' work deserves the highest recognition. Shine truly does what its name says.
|
| 90 |
Film.com
Mary Brennan
A film of elegant small moments and complex, bittersweet motivations.
|
| 90 |
Variety
An unconventional biopic about a brilliant young pianist.
|
| 90 |
TNT RoughCut
Andy Jones
A deeply affecting allegory that explores the symbiotic relationship between genius and madness.
|
| 90 |
Film.com
Lucy Mohl
The complex weight of this almost flawless drama lies in layered details and the fearless letting go that Gielguld's teacher exhorts - "attack the music, David, play as if there were no tomorrow."
|
| 90 |
Mr. Showbiz
It's a film which aims to persuade us of its truth without props or signposts--and it does so with unforgettable beauty.
|
| 90 |
Washington Post
The movie does what any great musician should: It lifts an idea to the heights of ecstasy; it sells its song.
|
| 88 |
New York Daily News
A sublimely uplifting movie.
|
| 88 |
Baltimore Sun
Hard to take in its particulars.
|
| 83 |
Entertainment Weekly
Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste.
|
| 80 |
Newsweek
Thanks to fine acting and its vividly unconventional protagonist, it pumps fresh blood into a conventional formula.
|
| 80 |
Film.com
A very moving and surprisingly funny experience.
|
| 80 |
Chicago Reader
The high-powered drive of both the storytelling and the music is riveting.
|
| 80 |
The New York Times
Fortunately, Hicks's direction has an elegance and dignity that rescue Shine from the exploitative and give the film an acute, genuinely sensitive style.
|
| 80 |
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Memorable, deeply affecting movie.
|
| 78 |
Austin Chronicle
If, at times, Shine's luster reveals more elbow grease than internal radiance, the movie is still a moving tribute to the human capacity to overcome all odds.
|
| 75 |
USA Today
Shine has a story to reckon with and powerhouse male performances.
|
| 70 |
TV Guide
Feel-good tone notwithstanding (and creepy to boot), there are nagging riddles about the Helfgott story that the film has neither the nerve nor the sense to tackle.
|
| 70 |
Dallas Observer
Peter Rainer
The gaga uplift in Shine knocks the malaise right out of your head--along with just about everything else.
|
| 70 |
Time
Ceases to be a cogent study of the disease of genius and devolves into two lesser creatures: an ordinary weepie and an Oscar contender.
|
| 63 |
San Francisco Examiner
The movie is meant to be uplifting and to the degree that you can ignore its unquestioning treatment of mental illness, I suppose it is.
|
