Shine (1996) Critic Reviews

The fact that David Helfgott lived the outlines of these events--that he triumphed, that he fell, that he came slowly back--adds an enormous weight of meaning to the film.Read the full review

Popular filmmaking at its smartest and most persuasive.Read the full review

Delivers a full emotional palette without undue sentimentalizing.Read the full review

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.Read the full review

An unconventional biopic about a brilliant young pianist.Read the full review

The movie does what any great musician should: It lifts an idea to the heights of ecstasy; it sells its song.Read the full review

Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste.Read the full review

Memorable, deeply affecting movie.Read the full review

Fortunately, Hicks's direction has an elegance and dignity that rescue Shine from the exploitative and give the film an acute, genuinely sensitive style.Read the full review