Shine is a 1996 Australian biographical drama film based on the life of pianist David Helfgott, who suffered a mental breakdown and spent years in institutions.
The true life story of piano virtuoso David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush in an Academy Award® winning performance), SHINE captures a most remarkable journey in flashback, a personal tale of creative passion and musical achievement, celebrating the ineluctable power of human endearment. Pushed headfirst into the world of music by domineering father Peter (Academy Award® nominee Armin Mueller-Stahl), piano prodigy David (portrayed by Noah Taylor, The Year My Voice Broke) is mentored by local teacher Ben Rosen (Nicholas Bell, The Games) to win the state musical championship. Invited to study with prominent musicians in America, David’s opportunities are stifled by his father, but supported by new-found friend and novelist Katharine Susannah Prichard (Googie Withers). Offered a scholarship to the prestigious Royal College of Music, David faces one of the toughest piano recitals of his life in Rachmaninoff’s demanding Piano Concerto Number 3, a complex piece of music destined to not only challenge him to the edge of sanity but change his life forever. Also featuring Academy Award® winner John Gielgud, Lynne Redgrave, Chris Haywood and directed by Scott Hicks, SHINE is “compassionate, deft, unsentimental and inspirational.” TIMEOUT.
Awards
- Won, Academy Awards, USA, 1997 – Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Won, Golden Globes, USA, 1997 – Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
- Nominated, Academy Awards, USA, 1997 – Best Picture
- Nominated, Academy Awards, USA, 1997 – Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Nominated, Academy Awards, USA, 1997 – Best Director
Reviews
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. J Berardinelli – ReelViews
It's a film which aims to persuade us of its truth without props or signposts–and it does so with unforgettable beauty. F X Feeney – Mr. Showbiz
Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste. L Schwarzbaum – Entertainment Weekly