Shine
Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
New Line Home Entertainment  (1996) 105 mins PG-13

7.6 (19,406 votes)
A Scott Hicks Film

Based on the true story of Australian pianist David Helfgott, this delightful movie charts the early and traumatic early years. Telling the story in flashback we see David as he grows up and into a child prodigy while his father abuses him and his siblings with the memory of his childhood in Europe and the loss of his family in the concentration camps. David finally breaks away from his father and goes away to study overseas, he later suffers a breakdown and returns to Australia and a life in an institution. Many years later he is released and through several twists of fate (in reality even more unlikely that film portrays) he starts playing a piano in a bar before finally returning to the concert hall....

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Cast and Crew
Geoffrey Rush  ......  David Helfgott - Adult
Justin Braine  ......  Tony
Sonia Todd  ......  Sylvia
Chris Haywood  ......  Sam
Alex Rafalowicz  ......  David Helfgott - Child
Gordon Poole  ......  Eisteddfod Presenter
Director  .....  Scott Hicks
Producer  .....  Jane Scott
Writer  .....  Jan Sardi; Scott Hicks
Notes
Goofs:
Factual errors: In the film, the character shows all signs of schizophrenia; not bipolar disorder (formerly known as "manic-depressive disorder"), as is claimed in the film. Furthermore, David Helfgott, in person, displays many symptoms of schizophrenia and none of bipolar disorder. (more)

Trivia:
Geoffrey Rush had once learned the piano up until aged fourteen. He took up piano lessons again thirty years later for the film and also acted as his own hand double body double. (more)

Filming Locations:
Adelaide Botanic Gardens & Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (more)

Quotes:
David: You can't lose 'em all. (more)

Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 38 wins & 34 nominations (more)