Shine
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Movie Reviews of Shine
Movie Review: Great tale of genius
Summary: 5 Stars
Emotional story of a imperious father' devastting effect on a sensitive musical genius.Movie Review: SHINE-A MUST SEE FOR PIANO MUSIC LOVERS
Summary: 5 Stars
this is a must see for all people who love piano music-also a very good story.Movie Review: Shine on DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
Loved this movie, have viewed multiple times. I am glad that I bought this.Movie Review: "SHINE" - For the Most Part, It Does
Summary: 4 Stars
Before I watched this movie yesterday, I knew this was Geoffrey Rush's Oscar-winning performance, that Joel Siegiel considered it to be one the greatest movies ever, and that it won plenty of trophies. But I had no idea what the movie was actually about. I'd seen no trailers and knew very little about the actors' resume (even Rush's movies I can only count to about 10). So I was fortunate to watch this DVD with a fresh perspective.
This is the fall-and-rise (that's not a typo) of David Helfgott, a very gifted pianist who is trained since he was a boy by his deeply disturbed father Peter. Eventually, after enduring unbearable turmoil within the family, teenage Helfgott attends the Royal College of Music, and practiced Ragmaninoff's "Rach 3" (supposedly the most difficult piece in the world) with such determination and focus that he perfected the technique, while the emotional ride eventually broke him. When the movie first introduces us to Helfgott, he is a rambling confused man, who finds his way back into a small Australian restaurant and starts joyfully playing the piano.
If this sounds like another version of "A Beautiful Mind," have no fear. This movie wisely ignores the psychological talk, and focuses on the emotions of the characters. "Shine" does not care about what's going on inside David's mind; instead, we see how his somewhat abusive childhood and unattended confusion affects his interaction with the world around him. The facial expressions tell the story, not doctors' diagnoses (which there is none). Armin Mueller-Stahl's performance as Peter Helfgott is absolutely marvelous. He is a man capable of loving his son, but is so intense (and sometimes violent) that he can't embrace his gifted son the way David needs. John Gielgud gives another great performance as David's College professor, who also pushes David to reach his potential, but with more balance and affection than Peter does. Lynn Redgrave is also excellent as the woman who befriends and helps heal (in a way) David. Geoffrey Rush is terrific in "Shine," but the movie could've better defined him. You see, Rush is kind of the lead role, but we don't really get into his performance until the second half of the movie. We begin "Shine" by seeing this bizarre, over-friendly stranger who wanders into a cafe -- we're supposed to think, "Who is this baffling man?" I actually find Noah Taylor's turn as the teenage David more compelling and moving than Rush's portion of the character. Which is probably why I don't like this movie quite as much as most do.
You see, "Shine" is actually two stories. The first act focuses on the tension between David and Peter. This is very well-executed, because Mueller-Stahl's intensity opposite Taylor's innocence and desperation is absolutely amazing. Even when the two characters aren't together, you can still feel the anger and conflict. David and Peter must have felt those same strong emotions...day after day, night after night.
The second story is Rush's half of the film, when the grown-up David Helfgott is trying to cope with the world now that he is alone. Director Scott Hicks makes it very clear that the people in David's life helped him reassimilate into the world, but what about David's efforts? Instead of feeling genuinely moved, there are times when adult David is used simply as a mentally-damaged man who has difficulty compiling a comprehensive thought. We share the frustration and test-of-patience the characterx feel, but it's almost too effective. When Peter coldly tells his rambling son, "Get to the point," the monstrous antagonist became my hero for a brief moment. The second half of "Shine" is several genres of movies crammed into a hour-length.
Don't get me wrong...this is a well-made movie. There are no plots holes or character inconsistencies whatsoever. Hicks has great control of the camera and wonderful attention to the simplest detail. His timing is dead-on, and listening to his interviews on the DVD merits a second viewing. I just felt that the comeback part of the movie needed more story. This movie is only 105 minutes including credits. With actors like this, I would've gladly taken a 2-hour picture.
However, Rush and Redgrave are still heart-warming in their roles. When the world applauses David's skills in a concert, and we see his tears, we are relieved that pain and suffering have ended...even if for only a brief moment in time. Very few films invoke a stronger sense of hope.
FINAL NOTE - If you're wondering why the movie is called "Shine," Scott Hicks answers that question on the DVD. But you should watch it for yourself, because you'll understand soon enough.
Movie Review: OUTSTANDING movie presented on an average DVD
Summary: 4 Stars
Bear in mind that this was one of the first generations of DVDs that were released, and so many of the additional features that we enjoy now were never added in these earlier release titles. I do hope that "Shine" is re-released with more in- depth features, including something that focuses on David Hefgott, the pianist that this movie is based on. I truly hope the decision is made to interview or document Helfgott in some way. That's the only reason I deducted a star, because the movie is outstanding. I would urge those who enjoyed this film to contact FineLine Pictures, who released the movie, and urge them to create a special edition DVD to include this. The real David Helfgott actually contributed as a musician (pianist, of course) for this wonderful film about his life, dramatizing his struggles through his childhood and breakdown as an adolescent. Yet it isn't about gloomy and depressing accounts but about survival and living to the best of one's abilities. Those who have little patience with people who are schizophrenic may become a bit uneasy at the performance of Geoffrey Rush who played the adult Helfgott. Rush's acting was impeccable and very believable, which is why some might be a little agitated or confused at the stuttering and incomplete and rambling dialog by Rush's character.
But have patience in getting to understand Helfgott as the movie progresses. It can confuse the viewer since there are flashbacks and flash forwards. But you know, this was one beautifully produced movie. It has had high replay, because the film simply touches the heart. Just relax and allow the movie (and Helfgott's character) absorb you. By the end, you'll really FEEL how much of a journey that David Helfgott traveled to arrive where he did.
And for those who enjoy Lynn Redgrave, my gosh. Her portrayal of Gillian was superb. Redgrave didn't even get any type of top billing and she didn't appear until late in the movie, yet I felt like Gillian and David were my own family by the end.
The DVD's special features include a movie trailer, a video clip of an award presented to Rush (look for Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise together in the audience) and a somewhat unusually- formatted Q/A with director Scott Hicks (about a dozen questions are displayed and when you select one, a video with an answer by Hicks plays).
"Shine" wasn't meant to be a tearjerker movie, but it got to me. I sometimes can't watch even the trailer without getting a lump in my throat.
Lovers of piano concertos and also those who appreciate classical music would be especially grateful for this cinematic gem.