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From Amazon.co.uk
This tearjerker by Australian filmmaker Scott Hicks is a surprising story about real-life classical pianist David Helfgott, an Australian who rose to international prominence at a very young age in the 1950s and 1960s, and suffered a psychological collapse after enduring years of abuse from his father (Armin Mueller-Stahl). Hicks has three very fine actors portraying Helfgott at different stages of his life, including the adorably wry and goofy Noah Taylor (Flirting), who takes up the character's teen years, and Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, giving a great performance playing the musician as a schizophrenic adult. Despite the Helfgotts' compromised psychological health, Shine is hardly a depressing experience. If anything, the story is really about how long one person's life can take to make glorious sense of itself. Sir John Gielgud, in golden form, plays Helfgott's teacher. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com
Product Description
The true story of pianist David Helfgott. In Australia in the 1950s, child prodigy David (an Oscar-winning Geoffrey Rush) is pushed hard by his father, Peter, and catches the attention of music tutor Ben Rosen, who teaches David for free. Ben encourages David to learn Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto, but Peter forbids it, thinking that the piece is too complex. When David departs for a scholarship at London's Royal College of Music, Peter severs all ties with his son. As the young musician comes to perform the concerto he collapses, suffering a nervous breakdown.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
If I'm honest now, when i sat down to watch this film i was ready to be bored. The film is about classical music, so not an erratic story about a group of adventurous rock gods. I was wrong. This is one of the most moving and memorable films i have ever seen, whether this is because its a true life heart wrenching story or it features passion in the form of musical genius, i cannot decide. The superb acting talents made the characters come alive, so much so that the viewer feels that they could describe their feelings to the most intricate detail. I would recommend this film to anyone.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Emer Mullen
Format:DVD
Shine is the Sory of David Haffgott a concert pianist who developed a problem with schizoaffective disorder when he left home to study music in London.The first half of the film focuses on his difficult relationship with his controlling father and his susequent escape to the Royal College of Music. Then the film moves on to his treatment and hospitalisation as he seems to move further and further from reality. However when he meets his future wife David's fortunes change as he re-enters the world of professional performance and finds comfort and support in a stable domestic relationship.
In parts this is a difficult film to watch. The depiction of abuse within David's family is uncompromising and could be upsetting for some viewers. However David himself is potrayed as a genuinely lovable and loving man so when finds a woman who reciprocates his feelings there is a strong sense of closure at the end of the film.
In parts this is a difficult film to watch. The depiction of abuse within David's family is uncompromising and could be upsetting for some viewers. However David himself is potrayed as a genuinely lovable and loving man so when finds a woman who reciprocates his feelings there is a strong sense of closure at the end of the film.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
This is the type of film that I love. It sensitively explores the relationship of a gifted young muscician to his repressive, but ambitious father, and later on, of the grown David to the adult world. It is funny, moving, and compelling. I particularly loved the piano playing, and bought Rachmaninov 3 on the strength of it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Dean
Format:DVD
There is no doubt that this is a good film. The problem here is the format offered on this DVD version. The Special Features section lists "Full Screen", but this is not correct. The aspect ratio for this version is 1.33:1 (4:3), which is regular TV format and so narrower than the 1.85:1 ratio of the original film. As a result, this DVD shows approximately 72% of the film; the rest is sliced off the sides.
I have no idea why this was done. Even VHS, in the old days, used letter-box masking to avoid this problem. Amazon does not list the aspect ratio of the Blu-ray version, so I don't know if this offers the full 1.85:1 aspect ratio. I'd be astonished if it does not; but then again, I 'm amazed that this DVD does not.
I have no idea why this was done. Even VHS, in the old days, used letter-box masking to avoid this problem. Amazon does not list the aspect ratio of the Blu-ray version, so I don't know if this offers the full 1.85:1 aspect ratio. I'd be astonished if it does not; but then again, I 'm amazed that this DVD does not.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I had been looking to buy this film for a long time, when I found it on Amazon at a very cheap price. It is both heart-rending and heart-warming in equal amounts. The true story of David Helfgot, a prodigy piano player, so oppressed by his domineering father that he has a breakdown and ends up in a mental institution. On his release he finds fame once more and goes on to marry. Geoffrey Rush deservedly won an Oscar for his portrayal. I would recommend this film wholeheartedly. Though quite heavy-going at the start, this film has a great feelgood factor from the middle onwards. Five stars!
24 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is certainly a film that can change your view on classical music. The story follows, somewhat erratically via flashback and revisiting, the life of an talented but capped young boy that make you find it hard to believe that it's true. Only when you realise that this is in fact the case does the hardship and struggle faced by David Helfgott really hit home. This erratic story line must have been intentional as it mimics the strange behaviour of the man himself as a result of rejection and pressure from his father at such a young age, and servers only to draw you in to the character more.
The descriptions and delivery of the music throughout gives you insight to the passion and fullness of classical music that always seemed to be missing in music lessons (at my school anyway). Sir John Gielgud's performance as his music teacher makes the music seem as fresh and vibrant as Oasis or Blur today. I dare anyone to watch this and not be moved, heartened and touched by the story of the man, but also not to be enthused to go out and build a huge collection of Rachmaninov or Vivaldi..
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By "donanselmo"
Format:DVD
He won the Oscar in 1996 for Best Actor in this role, where he portrays a pianist, David Helfgott, whose great carrier as a pianist is severely damaged by a nervous breakdown. The way Rush shows the ingenuity of a slightly odd mind and the influence that it has on the movement of the body is truly stunning.
Get it, especially if you love Rachmaninoff or piano in general!
Get it, especially if you love Rachmaninoff or piano in general!
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
I really love 'Shine' because it's a film that genuinely moves me. It's based on the true story of David Helfgott, who is played as an adult by Geoffrey Rush in this unusual Australian bio-pic. Rush's acting style in this role is so frenetic and convincing that I didn't recognise him at all in later films like Elizabeth! Noah Taylor is equally brilliant playing Helfgott as a disturbed young boy, living in the shadow of an extremely repressive father. Another great reason to watch this video, along with the world-class acting, is the piano-playing - much of the sound for the later post-fame sequences is apparently provided by Helfgott himself.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The story is fine, music is great
This movie should be viewed with a nice sound system because the music is simply marvellous. The storyline is simple, but works. and G Rush delivers a great performance
Published 1 month ago by Hernan Miranda
5.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFULLY PORTRAYED
This is a heart-warming true story and the actors portrayed the characters beautifully. It is entertaining yet informative. It is a special film.
Published 3 months ago by LynnetteLorraine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
This film is wonderful. The music is inspiring and Geoffrey Rush is fantastic in it. This is a must see.
Published 4 months ago by Maggie Smyth
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is my favourite film
This is my favourite film and as such I can not say anything wrong about it. If you haven't seen it buy it. Perfect gift too
Published 5 months ago by Attila Szabo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shine within
Touching and encouraging... You will cry and you will laugh.... Never is too late to fulfil our dreams.
One of the best films I've ever seen! Great casting and production.
One of the best films I've ever seen! Great casting and production.
Published 5 months ago by Mikaela
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shine
The most beautiful, moving true story with exquisite music throughout. I will never tire of this film and will watch it again and again.
Published 6 months ago by emma chamberlain
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music and Humanity anyone?
This film is a testament to the all healing power of Love and Music. Watch it now!!! And then watch it again & again & again.....you get message!
Published 6 months ago by Matthew Willoughby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shiningly brilliant
I never realised how complicated and brilliant Rachmaninov's 3rd piano concerto was until I saw this film. Read more
Published 10 months ago by lycidas
5.0 out of 5 stars
~>>Blu-ray Edition Review<<~
Countless people have already discussed the story of the film itself. This review is strictly for the quality of the Blu-ray Edition. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Gábriel Priòre
3.0 out of 5 stars
Shine
I really enjoyed this film and the acting by Geoffrey Rush was outstanding. A true story and all about musical talent and mental health. Highly recommended.
Published 11 months ago by Mrs. E. Eve
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