What "Shine" did for classical piano, "Hilary and Jackie" could do for the cello.

That's not to say the two films share much in common, other than a "music-leads-to-tragedy" story line.

But they both make classical music accessible for mass consumption, with lively, passionate performances, both in terms of the music and the acting.

And though this musical biography has already created a controversy because of disputes over its authenticity, "Hilary and Jackie" features terrific performances from Emily Watson ("The Boxer") and Rachel Griffiths as the title characters, Jacqueline and Hilary du Pre, musically gifted sisters who grew up in 1950s England.

Based on the book, "A Genius in the Family," which was co-written by Hilary du Pre, this drama traces their beginnings as musical prodigies, as well as the sense of rivalry that existed between them.

Initially, flutist Hilary (Griffiths) is acknowledged as the more talented of the two girls, who begin their careers performing as a duo.

However, through extensive, near-constant practice, cellist Jackie soon emerges as the real talent, and they separate to become solo performers.

Perhaps realizing she will be judged by her sister's standards, and suffering from creative burnout, Hilary retires from music and starts a family with another former musician, Kiffer Finzi (Bill Morrissey). But this only causes Jackie's competitive nature to again surface, as she embarks on a whirlwind romance of her own with pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim (James Frain).

Eventually, the strain of cross-continent touring takes its toll on Jackie, who wreaks untold havoc when she moves in with Hilary and Kiffer. Jackie suffers an even greater tragedy when she is diagnosed as having the degenerative nerve disease multiple sclerosis.

Director Anand Tucker and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce have done a superb job of composing this piece of celluloid like a a piece of music. After a stirring introduction, there are stunning solos, recurring themes and a build-up to a memorable, fitting crescendo.

Of course, the score (by composer Barrington Pheluong) helps set the mood nicely. And as mentioned, both Watson and Griffiths are great — particularly the former, whose gradual disintegration is completely believable.

Nearly as remarkable, however, are the actresses playing their younger counterparts (Auriol Evans and Keely Flanders, respectively), who provide the film's real acting revelation.

"Hilary and Jackie" is rated R for profanity, simulated sex, use of vulgar slang terms and brief female partial nudity.