Shine a Light

  • 2008
  • PG-13
  • 122m
movieMx RATING
6.8/10179
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Shine a Light Review

Last updated: February 27, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 27, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Shine a Light (2008) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shine a Light features a noteworthy lineup led by Mick Jagger . Supported by the likes of Keith Richards and Charlie Watts , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Shine a Light (2008) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Shine a Light stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Shine a Light

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2008, Shine a Light is a Documentary, Music film directed by Martin Scorsese. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mick Jagger.

Ending Explained: Shine a Light

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shine a Light concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Mick Jagger, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Shine a Light reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Shine a Light?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Mick Jagger or the director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

Box Office Collection: Shine a Light

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $1.0M
Worldwide Gross $15.8M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Shine a Light Budget

The estimated production budget for Shine a Light is $1.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Shine a Light

All Cast & Crew →
Mick Jagger
Mick JaggerSelf - The Rolling Stones Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
Keith Richards
Keith RichardsSelf - The Rolling Stones Guitar, Vocals
Charlie Watts
Charlie WattsSelf - The Rolling Stones Drums
Ronnie Wood
Ronnie WoodSelf - The Rolling Stones Guitar
Tim Ries
Tim RiesSelf - The Rolling Stones Saxophone, Keyboards
Blondie Chaplin
Blondie ChaplinSelf - The Rolling Stones Vocals
Hillary Clinton
Hillary ClintonSelf (uncredited)
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Where to Watch Shine a Light Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
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Shine a Light Parents Guide & Age Rating

2008 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Shine a Light age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Shine a Light is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Shine a Light is 122 minutes (2h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Shine a Light is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2008 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Shine a Light. Rating: 6.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shine a Light worth watching?

Shine a Light is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Shine a Light parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Shine a Light identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Shine a Light?

The total duration of Shine a Light is 122 minutes, which is approximately 2h 2m long.

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Critic Reviews for Shine a Light

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.8
Shine a Light
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/shine-a-light-7944" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Shine a Light</div></div></a>

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