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Shine (1996)

PG-13 | | Biography, Drama, Music | 9 April 1997 (France)
Shine Poster
Trailer
2:22 | Trailer
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:

Scott Hicks

Writers:

Jan Sardi (screenplay), Scott Hicks (story)

Stars:

Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine | See full cast & crew »
87
Reviews
Won 1 Oscar. Another 45 wins & 51 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

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Photos

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Geoffrey Rush ... David Helfgott - Adult
Justin Braine Justin Braine ... Tony
Sonia Todd ... Sylvia
Chris Haywood ... Sam
Alex Rafalowicz Alex Rafalowicz ... David Helfgott - Child
Gordon Poole Gordon Poole ... Eisteddfod Presenter
Armin Mueller-Stahl ... Peter
Nicholas Bell ... Ben Rosen
Danielle Cox Danielle Cox ... Suzie - Child
Rebecca Gooden Rebecca Gooden ... Margaret
Marta Kaczmarek ... Rachel
John Cousins John Cousins ... Jim Minogue
Noah Taylor ... David Helfgott - Adolescent
Paul Linkson Paul Linkson ... State Champion Announcer
Randall Berger ... Isaac Stern
See full cast »
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Storyline

As a child piano prodigy, David Helfgott's musical ambitions generate friction with his overbearing father, Peter. When Helfgott travels to London on a musical scholarship, his career as a pianist blossoms. However, the pressures of his newfound fame, coupled with the echoes of his tumultuous childhood, conspire to bring Helfgott's latent schizophrenia boiling to the surface, and he spends years in and out of various mental institutions. Written by Jwelch5742

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

piano | pianist | australia | abuse | mental institution | See All (104) »

Taglines:

A father whose life was his family. A son whose music was his life. See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for nudity/sensuality and intense thematic elements | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

When the film first shot in Adelaide in South Australia it was winter and star Geoffrey Rush had to dive into the South Australian coast in freezing cold conditions which he apparently complained about. See more »

Goofs

During the Rach 3 performance David's hands are dripping with sweat, dry, then dripping with sweat again. See more »

Quotes

David: You can't lose 'em all.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Himself: hand double for Geoffrey Rush See more »

Connections

Referenced in Geoffrey Rush (2008) See more »

Soundtracks

Polonaise In A Flat Major, Opus 53
Composed by Frédéric Chopin
Performed by Ricky Edwards
See more »

User Reviews

 
A stunning film
4 August 2000 | by ladylynch – See all my reviews

This movie is definitely in my top five favorite movies of all time. It is unbelievably brilliant. Geoffrey Rush, dare I say, is perhaps the greatest actor of modern times. His performance alone is worth watching, let alone the outstanding supporting cast! Definitely not in typical Hollywood fashion, the movie is a truly great indie film. A must see for music lovers and indie film lovers alike.
43 of 54 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
Review this title | See all 117 user reviews »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is David's father so strict with his family?
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Details

Official Sites:

South Australian Film Corporation | Umbrella Entertainment - Blu Ray | See more »

Country:

Australia

Language:

English | Yiddish

Release Date:

9 April 1997 (France) See more »

Also Known As:

Shine See more »

Filming Locations:

Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

$5,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$162,179, 24 November 1996

Gross USA:

$35,892,330

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$35,999,081
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC), Film Victoria, Momentum Films See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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