Metacritic reviews

A deeply affecting allegory that explores the symbiotic relationship between genius and madness.

A film of elegant small moments and complex, bittersweet motivations.

It's a film which aims to persuade us of its truth without props or signposts--and it does so with unforgettable beauty.

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

A sublimely uplifting movie.

Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste.

Thanks to fine acting and its vividly unconventional protagonist, it pumps fresh blood into a conventional formula.

Memorable, deeply affecting movie.

Shine has a story to reckon with and powerhouse male performances.

Feel-good tone notwithstanding (and creepy to boot), there are nagging riddles about the Helfgott story that the film has neither the nerve nor the sense to tackle.