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Whatever Works
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
Shine
Universal acclaim
Based on 26 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 9 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie >
Movie Info
Genre(s): Romance
Written by:
Scott Hicks (story)
Jan Sardi
Directed by: Scott Hicks
Release Date:
Theatrical: November 20, 1996
DVD: July 15, 1997
Running Time: 105 minutes, Color
Origin: Australia
Summary
RATING: PG-13 for nudity/sensuality and intense thematic elements
Starring Geoffrey Rush, Lynn Redgrave, John Gielgud, Armin Mueller-Stahl, and Noah Taylor
Inspired by the troubled but ultimately triumphant life of classical pianist David Helfgott, Shine focuses on Helfgott's painful retreat into a private world while still in his early 20's and on the brink of a glittering international career. Spanning the 1950's to the 1980's, Shine dramatizes the deeply moving way in which Helfgott, after a decade of obscurity, achieves both personal and professional fulfillment through the love and support of a remarkable woman. (Fine Line Features)
Also On Metacritic
FILM: Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database View The Trailer Official Studio Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The New Republic Stanley Kauffmann
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]
Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan
Popular filmmaking at its smartest and most persuasive.
Read Full Review >Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
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.
Read Full Review >Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington
All but sweeps you away with its dazzling technique and shattering emotion. [27 November 1996, Tempo, p.1]
San Francisco Chronicle Edward Guthmann
Delivers a full emotional palette without undue sentimentalizing.
Read Full Review >ReelViews James Berardinelli
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.
Read Full Review >Film.com Mary Brennan
A film of elegant small moments and complex, bittersweet motivations.
TNT RoughCut Andy Jones
A deeply affecting allegory that explores the symbiotic relationship between genius and madness.
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."
Mr. Showbiz F. X. Feeney
It's a film which aims to persuade us of its truth without props or signposts--and it does so with unforgettable beauty.
Read Full Review >Washington Post Desson Thomson
The movie does what any great musician should: It lifts an idea to the heights of ecstasy; it sells its song.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum
Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste.
Newsweek David Ansen
Thanks to fine acting and its vividly unconventional protagonist, it pumps fresh blood into a conventional formula.
Read Full Review >Film.com Tom Keogh
A very moving and surprisingly funny experience.
Chicago Reader Jonathan Rosenbaum
The high-powered drive of both the storytelling and the music is riveting.
Read Full Review >The New York Times Elvis Mitchell
Fortunately, Hicks's direction has an elegance and dignity that rescue Shine from the exploitative and give the film an acute, genuinely sensitive style.
Read Full Review >Austin Chronicle Marjorie Baumgarten
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.
Read Full Review >USA Today Staff [Not Credited]
Shine has a story to reckon with and powerhouse male performances.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Frank Lovece
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.
Read Full Review >Dallas Observer Peter Rainer
The gaga uplift in Shine knocks the malaise right out of your head--along with just about everything else.
Read Full Review >Time Richard Corliss
Ceases to be a cogent study of the disease of genius and devolves into two lesser creatures: an ordinary weepie and an Oscar contender.
Read Full Review >San Francisco Examiner G. Allen Johnson
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.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 9 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Felix Q. gave it a9:
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.
George M. gave it a10:
Deep, full of love, perfectly acted and brings up the question: who is really insane?
trev t. gave it a10:
This film is a beautiful representation of this amazing mans life.
maria f. gave it a10:
Absolutely wonderful. I didn't want the movie (or David's playing to finish).
Pat C. gave it an 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?
John H. gave it a 10:
Powerful performances by all.
