Shine (1996)

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

To everyone who has seen SHINE and/or read Gillian Helfgott's book: If you really care about being fully informed, you need to read Margaret Helfgott's book OUT OF TUNE: DAVID HELFGOTT AND THE MYTH OF SHINE.

Short and Simple Review by WubsTheFadgerThe story is told masterfully and fluidly. The amount of stunning moments is astounding along with the powerful and heartfelt ending. The story is powerful and moving in a very inspired way. The "Fall or Break Down" sequence is astounding. Geoffrey Rush, Noah Taylor, and Armin Mueller Stahl all do outstanding jobs. Stahl portrays his character perfectly. Geoffrey Rush plays the part of a mentally broken down man in search for reassurance. Rush performs perfectly.The pacing in the beginning is a little slow but it is intended to build up the characters. The runtime is also a little bit long.Pros: Touching and powerful story, great ending, amazing acting, the break down sequence, and Geoffrey Rush's performanceCons: Some slow pacing and an overlong runtimeOverall Rating: 8.5

A real life inspired movie on an Australian pianist who struggles with his own mental illness to come-up! This is the first ever Australian movie that I witnessed and its not the story/screenplay/music or the dialogs but the acting of the lead character - Geoffrey Rush! I have no words to praise his performance; just overwhelming! I never expected that I would be moved by his acting at the start. But it did at the end. So much that I had to watch his performance in The King's Speech!If a single performance can make you watch the whole movie, this is it then!! No wonder he got "Triple Crown of Acting" (an Academy Award, a Tony Award and an Emmy Award).You'll be taken aback by his performance for sure! Additional Information: He was also notable for being the first actor to win the Oscar, the BAFTA, the Golden Globe, the SAG Award, and the Critics' Choice Award for a single performance.Just Go and Experience his acting!!

Pianist David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush), driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.I have to say this film did not personally strike me. That is not to say it is a bad film. It is very good film. But just not one that really captured my attention or made me really care about the characters. There is something to be said about talent, genius, mental instability and many other things, and this film says a little bit about each of those. But it did not hit quite hard enough.On the plus side, we have Geoffrey Rush. Today (2015), he is probably better known for his part in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, but some of us remember when he had some great dramatic roles. This is one, as is his great work in "Quills".