Inspired by the true story of Australian child prodigy David Helfgott (Rush), Shine examines his journey from a childhood dominated by an overbearing father to his nervous breakdown as a young adult. When David is accepted to a prestigious music school in London as a teen, he's only too happy to escape his home life and pursue his passion for classical music. But his father's rejection and the pressures of mastering such concertos as Rachmanioff's Third leads to his downward spiral into mental illness. Only the love of the one woman who truly understands him (Lynn Redgrave) can help him re-enter society and his musical gift with the world.
Directed by
Scott Hicks
Written by
Jan Sardi (screenplay); Scott Hicks (story).
Starring
Geoffrey Rush (David Helfgott - Adult); Justin Braine (Tony); Sonia Todd (Sylvia); Chris Haywood (Sam); Alex Rafalowicz (David Helfgott - Child); Gordon Poole (Eisteddfod Presenter); Armin Mueller-Stahl (Peter); Nicholas Bell (Ben Rosen); Danielle Cox (Suzie - Child); Rebecca Gooden (Margaret); Marta Kaczmarek (Rachel); John Cousins (Jim Minogue); Noah Taylor (David Helfgott - Adolescent); Paul Linkson (State Champion Announcer); Randall Berger (Isaac Stern). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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