Rating: 
Summary: Disturbing, but is that a good or bad thing?
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Best seen as a fictional film rather than a biographical one
Review: I have mixed feelings about this film. On one hand, it has a good storyline, good acting...... but it is far from a reflection of reality. David Helfgott never actually triumphs or "shines". His public performances, classical recordings of Rachmaninov with RCA Victor are absolutely pathetic. The real man can't play the piano anymore and it is sad to see how a man who doesn't even know what is going on has been put on the stage and dressed up like a clown, manipulated by his wife Gillian (read the biography "love you to bits and pieces") and commercial endeavours. It's all marketing stuff when you start to explore what Helfgott is really like. And it just shows how ignorant the public is when they think that David Helfgott is the best pianist alive...... there are more pianists out there who live less extraordinary lives and they just lack the opportunity to make the "giant leap". And "Rach 3"... Rachmaninov's third piano concerto, is indeed technically extremely difficult, but millions of pianists have to embark on it at some point in their musical education anyway.I can only suggest, therefore, is that one should watch this film as if it is not based on a true story... it's all fictional, then you'll focus on the film itself and enjoy it fully rather than worrying about the real Helfgott. And try to get hold of some excellent recordings of Rachmaninov's 3rd piano concerto by Vladimir Ashkenazy, Byron Janis, Martha Argerich....... and not to presuaded by all the advertising and marketing rubbish to buy any Helfgott merchandise. I am not blaming David the poor chap, but just expressing my disgust about how commercial interest can attempt to twist reality.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Film!
Review: I loved this film very very much. I have had the most wonderful opportunity to meet the Helfgotts, and I've "got to be grateful" (to quote David) that this movie allowed me to do that. Although parts of it were changed, and others were created for theatrical effect, it remains true to David's wonderful spirit.
Rating:
Summary: Definetly one of the best-movies ever....A CLASSIC!
Review: I will always remember "Shine" as being one of my top films and I will never forget it. It's a Must film for everyone!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies!!!
Review: It is a spectacular movie, full of drama
Rating:
Summary: one of the words greatest films, period.
Review: like great music, a great film is one that you can see again and again. i have seen shine at least ten times and it only gets better each time. just perfect.
Rating: 
Summary: Well....
Review: No. This film is not a triumph of the human spirit against adversity. Emotionally disturbed father does bad job of raising schizoid son with music talent. The end. You could "enjoy" the same character development by hanging out in an inner city bus terminal late at night and striking up a conversation with the people who approach you for spare change. So what was good? Several truly beautiful performances of Rachmaninov's compositions.
Rating:
Summary: Triumph of the Soul, Triumph of the Cinema
Review: One of the greatest stories of overcoming obstacles, Shine is the pinnacle example of good old-fashioned tenacity and persistence in a world that stigmatizes the emotionally needy. Based on the life of Australian Piano virtuoso David Helfgott, the film takes us on a journey of anger, relationships, triumph and forgiveness from beginning to end. After a growing up with an abusive father and suffering a nervous breakdown, Helfgott faces the struggle having been in and out of institutions for the greater part of his life. Trying to piece his life back together he rediscovers his talent and begins to realize the fact he has just as much right to be happy and successful as anybody else. The storyline and director keep the audience open-eyed until the very last moment where we are allowed to witness the subtle but unmistakable climax. Geoffrey Rush, who portrays the role of Helfgott during his adult life, performed all music as seen (no hand doubles) and heard in this exceptional story of the human spirit's capacity to overcome.
Rating:
Summary: Over Rated.....Think Before You Buy This One
Review: Rush's Helfgott is well done as long as you stay at the level of external gestures and verbalizations. Once you dive into the realm of what this film could have been it gets interesting. The problem is that you have to get past the automatic reaction to bond with every actor playing a difficult personality disorder role. If you're past that....this film has difficulty standing solid on reality....there are simply too many deviations from the true story.....and more damaging is the lack of character development for the other players.....come on, this one could have been sooooooooooo good! I recommend you try Beautiful Mind (which achieved everything Shine didn't) or even I Am Sam, which is also better than Shine. There was simply too much hype over this one when it came out.....take the other road and give this one a bye......
Rating:
Summary: Incredible Movie Making, DI CAPO
Review: Scott Hicks just made a perfect blend of the power of the piano and emotions. He brought out the true meaning of the piano, its true value. Every pianist understands how powerful the piano is, this movie is an attempt to share it with others. "it expresses the inexplicable" could quite possibly explain the piano.
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