Something Cult, Foreign-Language or Indie #63: Shine (1996)

It was the flick from Down Under that arguably paved the way for Australia's Hollywood's invasion: the true story of celebrated but tormented concert pianist David Helfgott. Shine follows David from his first lessons as a child (Alex Rafalowicz) to his adolescent study and mental breakdown on the brink of fame (Noah Taylor) to his triumphant comeback in middle age (Geoffrey Rush) after living in an institution.

All this sounds like classic biopic stuff, but director Scott Hicks and writer Jan Sardi smartly take an observant and rather nonlinear approach to avoid sentiment, which works beautifully. Hicks also makes strong use of sound and visuals in the performance scenes, particularly teenage David's performance of Rachmaninov's notoriously difficult Piano Concerto No. 3 which is brilliantly edited and filmed (and during my Australian film university class it was shown countless times). Hicks had wanted to tell Helfgott's story for a decade, and he does it full justice.

But Shine just wouldn't have been the same without the incredible Geoffrey Rush. This performance made him the first Australian-born actor to win an Oscar (one of seven the movie was nominated for), and it remains his finest hour. He will leave you speechless. Armin Mueller-Stahl, as David's abusive father Peter, and Taylor offer solid support.

As the Brits might say: Shine does exactly what it says on the tin.