Mr. Holland's Opus

Love this movie

In spite of my best attempts to waste my life as an adolescent, I was profoundly influenced by a handful of tremendously great teachers, and not the least of these was my old band teacher Tony Cresanti (apologies for the spelling if anyone sees this who knew him). He taught every single kid who wanted to learn an instrument, from two elementary schools in our township, AND he taught them through middle school. We all took private lessons also, but Tony was the initial inspiration and instruction. He formed us into a band in junior high, and ultimately was responsible for allowing a huge number of even my fellow less disciplined musicians, to experience something that has stuck with me all of my life, and that is being in the midst of a large group of people making music all around you. Watching this movie gets harder and harder every year as I get older and older, but it's always a wonderful and cathartic experience, no matter how much it tears me up.

Mr. Holland's Opus - A truly inspirational film!The dream of this man, Glenn Holland, played masterfully by Richard Dreyfuss is to write music. A young wife and the responsibility of a baby about to arrive make him seek a job as a music teacher. Soon, he is no longer paying the rent of an apartment, but considering a house because they no longer fit within such confined space.His dream to compose one piece that would achieves his dream to leave a legacy to make a difference in the music world is set aside as he takes on the role of mentor, husband, friend, father, teacher, counselor and the more involved he becomes in the dreams of his students, the further his dream appears to be.Richard Dreyfuss acts with amazing honesty, revealing feelings of love, inspiration, frustration, anger, anxiety with such finesse that we care and suffer right along side the Holland family.There are many quotes that stayed with us as we watched this fantastic film, lines said with such profound wisdom that I noted them down to ponder on the lessons learned. One of my favorite statements is what we learn as we navigate our own lives, and that is:* Life is what happens to us when we are busy making other plans.The movie takes us through his entire life, from 1965 to the 90s and it is remarkable how it weaves viewers through the fabric of the turmoil of the 60's, the challenges of the 70s and 80s and finally to the time he is forced to leave the teaching profession because the music program at his school is canceled due to budgetary pressures.And here is where the movie made us cry. On his way out, he feels the nagging pressure of having given up his dreams for nothing, because now, he does not even have his job. As he clears his office, taking his things in boxes with the help of his wife and son, Mr. Holland hears sounds in the auditorium and goes to investigate what that is all about, only to find all his students... all graduating classes have gathered to thank a man that gave them the gift of music.A student whom he tutored during his first year as a teacher is now Governor and she delivers the most beautiful lines during this movie, for she tells Mr. Holland that "he has profoundly influenced my life and the lives of all gathered in this auditorium. I have the feeling that Mr. Holland considers a large part of his own life misspent because he never accomplished the symphony he was composing to make him famous, rich, or probably both."And as she looks around the room, filled with students, parents, friends, she says: "Mr. Holland, you are not rich or famous, at least not beyond the walls of this hall, so you may think you are a failure, but you would be wrong, because you have achieved a success beyond riches and fame, for as you look around you, you have touched the lives of all gathered here. We are your symphony Mr. Holland, we are the melodies and the notes of your opus... we are the music of your life!"If you want to see a movie that touches your heart, if you have teenagers that are in need of inspiration, and if you wonder about dreams you have set aside to accomplish much for others, watch this film and the true purpose of life will reveal that fame and fortune are not necessarily the true goals in life. A treasure of a film, don't miss it!

Did someone say this movie is "emotionally manipulative"? Well, then I was manipulated, and I loved it.This movie so brilliantly portrays the passions and tensions that every dedicated teacher experiences.The dedication to the students, while trying to give the family what they deserve at the same time.As an early elementary, special education teacher, I totally identify with the tension between how much time we give to play, which is the earliest form of artistic expression, and "curriculum". I also felt the passion of Mr. Holland's wife, in advocating for her son. I've seen so many parents like that in my careers. They are heroic.We still have a long way to go in celebrating neurodiversity, and recognizing that not all children MUST learn the same things in the same way, in order to be successful and valuable members of society. I was lucky to work in a school where the Arts were valued, and the children had wonderful Visual Art, Music and movement programs.As an early childhood teacher, (K-1) I knew that those one or two periods a week were not enough. Kids need time for dramatic play, block building, free drawing, painting, outdoor play, exploration. All those things that are often relegated to "choice time" and even in my progressive school, it often felt hard to find time for it.I felt that tension deeply in this story.A teacher, especially one who is a parent, never has enough time. Each child is so important, yours and other people's. Reading and Math is important, but so is play,/the Arts. In fact young children learn best, and themost through play.Since 1995, when this movie was made, things have not gotten much better in most school districts. Play for young children, the Arts for older children, continue to be given short shrift.I highly recommend this movie.

Best movie ever seen! I’m 70 also! Content superb! They don’t make them like this anymore! What a shame!

Love this movie! No scratches or other problems with the disc

Filmone commuovente…

This old film is still inspirational. Full of pathos and laughter it is a wonderful feel good movie.The story is based around an aspiring classical music composer who takes a teaching job to makes ends meet financially. His marriage is challenged by the profound deafness of his son and the attraction of a musically gifted student. Many students, with his help, discover musical talents they never knew they had.Hard to say more without revealing a spoiler, but if ever teachers (of any subject) need encouragement about the value of their work this is the movie for them and for their friends.

La historia es Genial!!! la actuación magistral, la linea de tiempo excelente... me costo conseguir esta película, lo malo que no es la versión que incluye audio en español, pero no la he encontrado (en youtube si esta en español)

I have been trying to find this locally for a long time. As a singer the theme of this movie has always greatly appealed to me. It's an inspiring drama about a music teacher who over a 30-year period turns a job into a soul-satisfying vocation, thanks to his patience, passion, and kindness. A great ensemble cast, but Richard Dreyfuss does a great job as Glenn Holland, and I always love anything with Olympia Dukakis in it!