Excellent Movie

Rating: 10/10 (14 March 2005)

I developed an appreciation for classical music after watching this film. All of the characters who played David Helfgott (different ages) were excellent, particularly the actor who played the adolescent Helfgott. A must-see for people who do not know his story. The Rachmaninoff concerto towards the end of the movie, the performance that precipitated Helfgott's breakdown, was done exquisitely. I played it over and over again and still get chills when I hear it. Geoffrey Rush delivers a stunning performance as the adult Helfgott and allows the viewer to understand the sensitivity of such a brilliant pianist. Overall, the three stages of David Helfgott's life were portrayed by each actor in a way that allows one to see how the effects of being driven by others as well as driving one's self, can create instability, particularly in the sensitive, artistic mind.