Mr. Holland's Opus (1996)

An earnest and at times overblown story of a music teacher's impact on those around him, Mr. Holland's Opus is at times a genuinely touching drama in the vein of It's a Wonderful Life. Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind) plays an aspiring composer and musician who takes a job teaching music at a local high school to save money while he composes his music. But when his wife (Glenne Headley) becomes pregnant, Glenn Holland must put aside his dreams and address the everyday realities of his life, from the melancholy and sometimes tragic fates of his students to the discovery that the son he cherishes is deaf. Building to a highly emotional climax in which the teacher sees the impact he's had on the world around him, Mr. Holland's Opus is a showcase for a fine Oscar-nominated performance by Dreyfuss and an engaging, heartwarming story. --Robert Lane Amazon.com

Music

Mr. Holland's Opus is a wonderful movie about love of music and will likely go down as a classic! December 21, 2008

One of the BEST movies ever made!!!

The first time I saw this movie, I was a young teenager visiting my grandparents. It was coming on TV one night, and my grandmother mentioned that I would probably most enjoy it. As always, she was correct. Mr. Holland's Opus is, by far, one the BEST movies ever made!!! There are so many personalities exhibited; full ranges of emotions explored and expressed. It is amazing to watch the unfolding of a person's life. And it is truly wondrous to see how so many small actions and events affect so many people. This movie particularly touches my heart because I am currently seeking teacher certification. It is movies like Mr. Holland's Opus that encourage me, and prove that an individual, or more personally, a teacher, can make a tremendous impact on a child and/or community. I, in turn, encourage you, the reader, to watch Mr. Holland's Opus, and be moved in the same ways so many others have.Mr. Holland's Opus December 3, 2008

dvd

Mr. Holland's Opus is a great movie. I have watched it several times and I will keep watching it. It has so much meaning and caring and Richard Dreyfuss did a great job. September 29, 2008

Mr. Holland's Opus

"Mr. Holland's Opus" is an excellent movie! More importantly, however, the introduction of Jean Louisa Kelly's George Gershwin solos to movies -- particularly "Someone To Watch Over Me" -- is incredible, and just plain sensuous! I find myself drawn to hear her sing it over and over. But the subplots of Holland and his son, of the love story between Holland and his wife, and of the incredible affinity between Holland's music students and him, are also excellent. All in all, worth a mature family's watching. September 19, 2008

Really worthwhile film

A really sensitive and human story about youth and high school orchestra music. I heartily recommend it. September 11, 2008

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