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This tearjerker by Australian filmmaker Scott Hicks is a surprising story about real-life classical pianist David Helfgott, an Australian who rose to international prominence at a very young age in the 1950s and '60s, and suffered a psychological collapse after enduring years of abuse from his father (Armin Mueller-Stahl). Hicks has three very fine actors portraying Helfgott at different stages of his life, including the adorably wry and goofy Noah Taylor (Flirting), who takes up the character's teen years, and Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, giving a great performance playing the musician as a schizophrenic adult. Despite the Helfgotts' compromised psychological health, Shine is hardly a depressing experience. If anything, the story is really about how long one person's life can take to make glorious sense of itself.Sir John Gielgud, in golden form, plays Helfgott's teacher. The DVD release presents the film in its widescreen format, and also includes a Q&A with director Hicks and Rush's Golden Globes acceptance speech. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (37)

OUTSTANDING movie presented on an average DVD
Bear in mind that this was one of the first generations of DVDs that were released, and so many of the additional features that we enjoy now were never added in these earlier release titles. I do hope that "Shine" is re-released with more in- depth features, including something that focuses on David Hefgott, the pianist that this movie is based on. I truly hope the decision is made to interview or document Helfgott in some way. That's the only reason I deducted a star, because the movie is outstanding. I would urge those who enjoyed this film to contact FineLine Pictures, who released the movie, and urge them to create a special edition DVD to include this.

The real David Helfgott actually contributed as a musician (pianist, of course) for this wonderful film about his life, dramatizing his struggles through his childhood and breakdown as an adolescent. Yet it isn't about gloomy and depressing accounts but about survival and living to the best of one's abilities. Those who have little patience with people who are schizophrenic may become a bit uneasy at the performance of Geoffrey Rush who played the adult Helfgott. Rush's acting was impeccable and very believable, which is why some might be a little agitated or confused at the stuttering and incomplete and rambling dialog by Rush's character.

But have patience in getting to understand Helfgott as the movie progresses. It can confuse the viewer since there are flashbacks and flash forwards. But you know, this was one beautifully produced movie. It has had high replay, because the film simply touches the heart. Just relax and allow the movie (and Helfgott's character) absorb you. By the end, you'll really FEEL how much of a journey that David Helfgott traveled to arrive where he did.

And for those who enjoy Lynn Redgrave, my gosh. Her portrayal of Gillian was superb. Redgrave didn't even get any type of top billing and she didn't appear until late in the movie, yet I felt like Gillian and David were my own family by the end.

The DVD's special features include a movie trailer, a video clip of an award presented to Rush (look for Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise together in the audience) and a somewhat unusually- formatted Q/A with director Scott Hicks (about a dozen questions are displayed and when you select one, a video with an answer by Hicks plays).

"Shine" wasn't meant to be a tearjerker movie, but it got to me. I sometimes can't watch even the trailer without getting a lump in my throat.

Lovers of piano concertos and also those who appreciate classical music would be especially grateful for this cinematic gem.

Powerful, and stunning
This movie is just stunning, I've never seen a movie that has so much power, so much enthusiasm, and so much drama all at the same time. I'd recommend this movie to anyone! It's the best movie I've ever seen, I instanly went out and got the sound track!

The music in this film is just outstanding, and it will make you want to go and learn to play the piano.

Everyone in this film does an excellent job. This movie just draws you into it. I'm a man who has always liked the scary movies, and also the funny ones, never drama. But this movie just blew me away with it's joy of the human spirit. My heart still races when I hear the beautiful music of the film. Great job to everyone.

I'd really like to know more about this main character as far as what's he doing now, and did he play any part in the making of the film. This is just a tremendous movie!

Disturbing, but is that a good or bad thing?
I enjoyed this movie for the most part. After all, it was well-acted, had beautiful music, had an uplifting, inspring ending, what's not to like, right? Well, fact is, it's been a while since I saw it, and frankly I can't remember the music, or even much of the story; so, what's left, you ask? Vivid recollections of the disturbing behavior of the characters, and a feeling of unease, and wanting to avoid watching it again. Too bad, but maybe I'll just get some of artist's music instead.

GREAT MOVIE
All I can say is, everything you want in a dramtic film is here. The realism of overcoming harsh abuse by an over protective father and the quest to play Rachmaninoff's Concerto No.3 lends itself to a first class dramatic piece of work.The music is excellent and I can't say enough about Geoffrey Rush's performance as the true David Helfgott is unforgettable.

Incredible Actor Performance !! Wonderful Film !
Even now, after seeing "The Pianist" from Polansky, I think that SHINE is equally or even a more "brilliant" film, let's say... And in fact the main Shine Actor role demands such an interpretation that we don't see in "The Pianist", which actor almost look the world on a passive way... Shine, on the other hand, is an amazing film, it's actor seems to really incorporate and love the character !! Shine exuberates in love for life in such a way that it literally extracts tears from our eyes.
Perhaps if the "The pianist" actor would be that one of Shine, the result could be better.
In a phrase: Shine is one of the best all time movies. Get it!

Dihelson Mendonca ... Read more

Reviews (37)

OUTSTANDING movie presented on an average DVD
Bear in mind that this was one of the first generations of DVDs that were released, and so many of the additional features that we enjoy now were never added in these earlier release titles. I do hope that "Shine" is re-released with more in- depth features, including something that focuses on David Hefgott, the pianist that this movie is based on. I truly hope the decision is made to interview or document Helfgott in some way. That's the only reason I deducted a star, because the movie is outstanding. I would urge those who enjoyed this film to contact FineLine Pictures, who released the movie, and urge them to create a special edition DVD to include this.

The real David Helfgott actually contributed as a musician (pianist, of course) for this wonderful film about his life, dramatizing his struggles through his childhood and breakdown as an adolescent. Yet it isn't about gloomy and depressing accounts but about survival and living to the best of one's abilities. Those who have little patience with people who are schizophrenic may become a bit uneasy at the performance of Geoffrey Rush who played the adult Helfgott. Rush's acting was impeccable and very believable, which is why some might be a little agitated or confused at the stuttering and incomplete and rambling dialog by Rush's character.

But have patience in getting to understand Helfgott as the movie progresses. It can confuse the viewer since there are flashbacks and flash forwards. But you know, this was one beautifully produced movie. It has had high replay, because the film simply touches the heart. Just relax and allow the movie (and Helfgott's character) absorb you. By the end, you'll really FEEL how much of a journey that David Helfgott traveled to arrive where he did.

And for those who enjoy Lynn Redgrave, my gosh. Her portrayal of Gillian was superb. Redgrave didn't even get any type of top billing and she didn't appear until late in the movie, yet I felt like Gillian and David were my own family by the end.

The DVD's special features include a movie trailer, a video clip of an award presented to Rush (look for Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise together in the audience) and a somewhat unusually- formatted Q/A with director Scott Hicks (about a dozen questions are displayed and when you select one, a video with an answer by Hicks plays).

"Shine" wasn't meant to be a tearjerker movie, but it got to me. I sometimes can't watch even the trailer without getting a lump in my throat.

Lovers of piano concertos and also those who appreciate classical music would be especially grateful for this cinematic gem.

Powerful, and stunning
This movie is just stunning, I've never seen a movie that has so much power, so much enthusiasm, and so much drama all at the same time. I'd recommend this movie to anyone! It's the best movie I've ever seen, I instanly went out and got the sound track!

The music in this film is just outstanding, and it will make you want to go and learn to play the piano.

Everyone in this film does an excellent job. This movie just draws you into it. I'm a man who has always liked the scary movies, and also the funny ones, never drama. But this movie just blew me away with it's joy of the human spirit. My heart still races when I hear the beautiful music of the film. Great job to everyone.

I'd really like to know more about this main character as far as what's he doing now, and did he play any part in the making of the film. This is just a tremendous movie!

Disturbing, but is that a good or bad thing?
I enjoyed this movie for the most part. After all, it was well-acted, had beautiful music, had an uplifting, inspring ending, what's not to like, right? Well, fact is, it's been a while since I saw it, and frankly I can't remember the music, or even much of the story; so, what's left, you ask? Vivid recollections of the disturbing behavior of the characters, and a feeling of unease, and wanting to avoid watching it again. Too bad, but maybe I'll just get some of artist's music instead.

GREAT MOVIE
All I can say is, everything you want in a dramtic film is here. The realism of overcoming harsh abuse by an over protective father and the quest to play Rachmaninoff's Concerto No.3 lends itself to a first class dramatic piece of work.The music is excellent and I can't say enough about Geoffrey Rush's performance as the true David Helfgott is unforgettable.

Incredible Actor Performance !! Wonderful Film !
Even now, after seeing "The Pianist" from Polansky, I think that SHINE is equally or even a more "brilliant" film, let's say... And in fact the main Shine Actor role demands such an interpretation that we don't see in "The Pianist", which actor almost look the world on a passive way... Shine, on the other hand, is an amazing film, it's actor seems to really incorporate and love the character !! Shine exuberates in love for life in such a way that it literally extracts tears from our eyes.
Perhaps if the "The pianist" actor would be that one of Shine, the result could be better.
In a phrase: Shine is one of the best all time movies. Get it!

Dihelson Mendonca ... Read more

Reviews (37)

OUTSTANDING movie presented on an average DVD
Bear in mind that this was one of the first generations of DVDs that were released, and so many of the additional features that we enjoy now were never added in these earlier release titles. I do hope that "Shine" is re-released with more in- depth features, including something that focuses on David Hefgott, the pianist that this movie is based on. I truly hope the decision is made to interview or document Helfgott in some way. That's the only reason I deducted a star, because the movie is outstanding. I would urge those who enjoyed this film to contact FineLine Pictures, who released the movie, and urge them to create a special edition DVD to include this.

The real David Helfgott actually contributed as a musician (pianist, of course) for this wonderful film about his life, dramatizing his struggles through his childhood and breakdown as an adolescent. Yet it isn't about gloomy and depressing accounts but about survival and living to the best of one's abilities. Those who have little patience with people who are schizophrenic may become a bit uneasy at the performance of Geoffrey Rush who played the adult Helfgott. Rush's acting was impeccable and very believable, which is why some might be a little agitated or confused at the stuttering and incomplete and rambling dialog by Rush's character.

But have patience in getting to understand Helfgott as the movie progresses. It can confuse the viewer since there are flashbacks and flash forwards. But you know, this was one beautifully produced movie. It has had high replay, because the film simply touches the heart. Just relax and allow the movie (and Helfgott's character) absorb you. By the end, you'll really FEEL how much of a journey that David Helfgott traveled to arrive where he did.

And for those who enjoy Lynn Redgrave, my gosh. Her portrayal of Gillian was superb. Redgrave didn't even get any type of top billing and she didn't appear until late in the movie, yet I felt like Gillian and David were my own family by the end.

The DVD's special features include a movie trailer, a video clip of an award presented to Rush (look for Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise together in the audience) and a somewhat unusually- formatted Q/A with director Scott Hicks (about a dozen questions are displayed and when you select one, a video with an answer by Hicks plays).

"Shine" wasn't meant to be a tearjerker movie, but it got to me. I sometimes can't watch even the trailer without getting a lump in my throat.

Lovers of piano concertos and also those who appreciate classical music would be especially grateful for this cinematic gem.

Powerful, and stunning
This movie is just stunning, I've never seen a movie that has so much power, so much enthusiasm, and so much drama all at the same time. I'd recommend this movie to anyone! It's the best movie I've ever seen, I instanly went out and got the sound track!

The music in this film is just outstanding, and it will make you want to go and learn to play the piano.

Everyone in this film does an excellent job. This movie just draws you into it. I'm a man who has always liked the scary movies, and also the funny ones, never drama. But this movie just blew me away with it's joy of the human spirit. My heart still races when I hear the beautiful music of the film. Great job to everyone.

I'd really like to know more about this main character as far as what's he doing now, and did he play any part in the making of the film. This is just a tremendous movie!

Disturbing, but is that a good or bad thing?
I enjoyed this movie for the most part. After all, it was well-acted, had beautiful music, had an uplifting, inspring ending, what's not to like, right? Well, fact is, it's been a while since I saw it, and frankly I can't remember the music, or even much of the story; so, what's left, you ask? Vivid recollections of the disturbing behavior of the characters, and a feeling of unease, and wanting to avoid watching it again. Too bad, but maybe I'll just get some of artist's music instead.

GREAT MOVIE
All I can say is, everything you want in a dramtic film is here. The realism of overcoming harsh abuse by an over protective father and the quest to play Rachmaninoff's Concerto No.3 lends itself to a first class dramatic piece of work.The music is excellent and I can't say enough about Geoffrey Rush's performance as the true David Helfgott is unforgettable.

Incredible Actor Performance !! Wonderful Film !
Even now, after seeing "The Pianist" from Polansky, I think that SHINE is equally or even a more "brilliant" film, let's say... And in fact the main Shine Actor role demands such an interpretation that we don't see in "The Pianist", which actor almost look the world on a passive way... Shine, on the other hand, is an amazing film, it's actor seems to really incorporate and love the character !! Shine exuberates in love for life in such a way that it literally extracts tears from our eyes.
Perhaps if the "The pianist" actor would be that one of Shine, the result could be better.
In a phrase: Shine is one of the best all time movies. Get it!

Dihelson Mendonca ... Read more