Shine Details

Although reservations have been expressed about the accuracy of the “facts” in this film based on the life of gifted but deeply troubled Australian pianist David Helfgott, the resulting drama is still an exhilarating and uplifting screen experience. While it was Geoffrey Rush who took many of the plaudits, including the best actor Oscar for his stunning performance as Helfgott, it's the cinematic acumen of director Scott Hicks that prevents this often harrowing story from turning into melodramatic mush. From the over-looked Noah Taylor as the young Helfgott, Googie Withers as the writer who launched Helfgott's career through to Lynn Redgrave as the future wife who saved him, the performances are of an extraordinary quality, with an astonishing screen debut from stage star Rush as the mumbling musician.

Moving, superbly acted drama of tragedy and redemption that brilliantly evokes a man's alienation from his roots and his disintegration, as well as his re-emergence into the world.