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Poster for Shine

Shine

A true story of the mystery of music and the miracle of love

1996 · 1h 45m · PG-13 Drama
Directed by Scott Hicks

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Overview

Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
91%
Tomatometer
Fresh

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

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
Fresh

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

David Stratton, Variety
Fresh

Compassionate, deft, unsentimental, inspirational.

Trevor Johnston, Time Out
Fresh

Inspired by the real story of classical pianist David Helfgott, "Shine" re-creates that emotionally piercing story, note by memorable note.

Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Fresh

His life story is not exactly as it is shown here, but close enough, I gather, for us to marvel at the way the human spirit can try to heal itself.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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