Mr. Holland's Opus
"One of the Year's 10 Best!" - New York Post
Acclaimed star Richard Dreyfuss gives the performance of a lifetime in this uplifting hit cheered by audiences everywhere! Glenn Holland is a passionate musician who dreams of composing one truly memorable piece of music. But reality intrudes when he reluctantly accepts a "day job" as a high school music teacher to support his family. In time, however, Mr. Holland realizes that his real passion is teaching, and his legacy is the generations of young people he inspires. You're sure to find this electrifying motion picture both entertaining..and unforgettable!
Member Reviews
Touching but Predictable - Amadeus
I liked the movie. I liked Richard Dreyfuss as a main hero, Mr. Holland, a Music Appreciation Class teacher. The movie is very true to the point when it speaks about teacher / class relations. I am a University teacher myself, and I surely do know what it is like to get a tight connection to the students' hearts, without losing either your integrity or your authority. I felt what Holland felt, I understood what he did wrong and what he did best. All his ups and downs, all his misgivings, wrong ideas for the class, bad relations with his hearing-impaired son, tough relations with the local educational authorities - everything is shown admirably well. Also, and it should be pointed out, the movie is especially good at the scope. The 30 years of the US history are shown briefly but very vividly and really well. What is really weak is the sheer predictability. Many Hollywood films are made this way - Good/Bad, Up/Down, White/Black. I mean, I could easily foretell when in the next scene Holland will have a problem or its graceful solution. Also, the grand finale is too sweet. I understand, Hollywood dictates the rules, so the serious film must have a refreshing, sweet final. But it was all too much. Too sweetish, too bombastic. Notwithstanding all that, in general, the movie is one of the few that really shows what teaching job is.life-affirming and inspiring - eyewitness
I can't recommend this movie highly enough. “Mr Holland’s Opus” is a poignant story, inspiring, genuinely entertaining and beautifully acted. I concede that it’s a little corny in spots, but life itself has some corny moments. A Great movie the whole family will enjoy.
Richard Dreyfuss is wonderful as the not-too-perfect musician who is forced to put aside his dreams and take a job as a teacher. He faces frustrations and disappointment in his career, family, and his music and does it with courage.
This film accurately portrays the demands that are placed on parents of special-needs children and the way in which care-givers put their own lives on hold indefinitely out of love for their children.
Not only is this film moving, but it has several moments of down-to-earth humour: Check out the kids who think they have talent as they try out for the Gershwin review and it may remind you a bit of American Idol.
The final musical symphony is integral to the experience, and I don’t think this movie gets nearly enough credit for such a moving piece. A++A Masterpiece - Junebaby
Absolutely brilliant movie starring one of my favourites, Richard Dreyfuss. The supporting cast including Glenne Headly, Olympia Dukakis, William H. Macy and Alicia Witt are also extremely enjoyable. This movie moved me to tears more than once, and in other places I chuckled at the wit and humour. The absolute humanness of the characters Glenn and Iris Holland are believable, and the reconciliation between Glenn and his son Cole is touching and realistic. A beautiful film, and a fantastic watch!
Member Reviews
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Touching but Predictable - Amadeus
I liked the movie. I liked Richard Dreyfuss as a main hero, Mr. Holland, a Music Appreciation Class teacher. The movie is very true to the point when it speaks about teacher / class relations. I am a University teacher myself, and I surely do know what it ...life-affirming and inspiring - eyewitness
I can't recommend this movie highly enough. “Mr Holland’s Opus” is a poignant story, inspiring, genuinely entertaining and beautifully acted. I concede that it’s a little corny in spots, but life itself has some corny moments. A Great movie the whole family ...A Masterpiece - Junebaby
Absolutely brilliant movie starring one of my favourites, Richard Dreyfuss. The supporting cast including Glenne Headly, Olympia Dukakis, William H. Macy and Alicia Witt are also extremely enjoyable. This movie moved me to tears more than once, and in other ...