As befits the subject, with his taste for the romantic repertoire, Shine' is not afraid of stirring up big emotions. It earns them honorably.

Shine beams with warmth, sensitivity, and fine taste, but some of that illumination is the work of our own reflector lamps.

[Helfgott's] extraordinary life is intelligently charted here, and the three actors who play him at different stages are all exceptional.

Inspired by the true story of the Australian classical pianist prodigy David Helfgott.