{movie} shine (1996)

A riveting profile of Australian keyboard virtuoso David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush) and his ultimate triumph over a domineering, abusive father (Armin Mueller-Stahl); schizophrenia; and an obsession with the all but unplayable Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. Sir John Gielgud, superb as ever, plays Helfgott's tutor. Richly deserved Oscars went to Rush (Best Actor) and to Mueller-Stahl for his supporting turn.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: ** Why do musical bio-pics always disappoint me so? 1984's Amadeus stunk, and this one was even worse. Where the Amadeus character portrayed by Tom Hulce was annoying, at least he was witty. Geoffrey Rush, whom I've always loved and was the only reason why I got this movie, was great, but unfortunately he was playing a very annoying, and unwatchable, character. Armin Mueller-Stahl was wonderful as the abusive father, but I still just couldn't feel sorry for the young David Helfgott character and didn't care when he triumphed. It had some interesting moments and some all right moments, but overall I was bored.