I first saw the film, Mr Holland’s Opus, when it was released in 1995. My three children and myself were all taking piano lessons at the time and were all eager to watch this. As I was contemplating writing the review this morning, I asked my son (just 10 years old when we watched the film ... Read review
An earnest and sometimes overblown story of a music teacher's impact on those around ... more
him,Mr. Holland's Opusis at times a genuinely touching drama in the vein ofIt's a Wonderful Life. Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws,Close Encounters of the Third Kind) plays an a...
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An earnest and sometimes overblown story of a music teacher's impact on those around ... more
him,Mr. Holland's Opusis at times a genuinely touching drama in the vein ofIt's a Wonderful Life. Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws,Close Encounters of the Third Kind) plays an a...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 4 weeks...
Imagine playing the drums when you have no sense of rhythm, or singing with such emotion ... more
it's like falling in love. Every so often a teacher draws talents from students they never knew they had...every so often there's a Mr. Holland. Starring Academy A...
Acclaimed star Richard Dreyfuss gives the performance of a lifetime in this uplifting hit ... more
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 r...
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Pushing Tin:In the tradition of Grosse Pointe Blank comes an unconventional about two air ... more
traffic controllers rivalry and penchant for one-upmanship causes hilarious havoc with their careers, their marriages - and the planes in their airspace! Nick Falzone (John Cusack) is the busiest, and the best, air traffic controller on Long Island - until Russell Bell (Billy Bob Thornton) roars into town like a motorcycle-riding cowboy. Fuelle by caffeine and Jolie, Pushing Tin is One of a kind....a high-flying, free spirited, wildly funny blast of originality.Broadcast News:In James L. Brooks' quirky, romantic comedy, three ambitious workaholics are set loose in a network TV newsroom where their professional and personal lives become hopelessly cross-wired. Tom (William Hurt) is the modern anchorman, smooth, handsome and a bit dumb. Jane (Holly Hunter) is she driven, brilliant producer, determined to turn Tom into a real newsman. And Aaron (Albert Brooks) is a seasoned, totally un charismatic reporter who can't stand Tom's instant success on-camera or with Jane. It all adds up to on explosively funny romantic triangle.Mr. Holland's Opus:In his wildest dreams, Glenn Holland (Dreyfuss) could never imagined that teaching music to teenagers would be anything other than a waste of his musical gift. But when the frustrated young composer places his dreams of writing a grand opus on hold in order to support his family, he discovers that the students he inspires strike a deep emotional chord within him....and that they become the very notes of his symphony. A glowing tribute to the unsung heroics of those rare, gifted teachers who make a difference in life, Mr. Holland's Opus hits a high note of triumph!
An earnest and sometimes overblown story of a music teacher's impact on those around ... more
him,Mr. Holland's Opusis at times a genuinely touching drama in the vein ofIt'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 earn money while he composes. 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 Opusis a showcase for a fine Oscar-nominated performance by Dreyfuss and an engaging, heartwarming story.--Robert Lane
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Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: An inspiration, tear-jerker of a film. Disadvantages: A little sccharine sweet at times
I first saw the film, Mr Holland’s Opus, when it was released in 1995. My three children and myself were all taking piano lessons at the time and were all eager to watch this. As I was contemplating writing the review this morning, I asked my son (just 10 years old when we watched the film together nine years ago) what he had thought of it. I was amazed when he started to tell me details from the film, many I had not remembered, and even quoted lines. ... ...Dead Poets Society and Goodbye Mr Chips. What makes this stand out from the others is that it is not just through words that this is achieved. He instils an enjoyment in the playing of music to his performing ensembles. Through example, he shows how music is "supposed to be fun" and a way to express emotions. There are wonderful scenes during which, Mr Holland tries to teach a pupil wanting to play the drums how to understand rhythm using ... more
I first saw the film, Mr Holland’s Opus, when it was released in 1995. My three children and myself were all taking piano lessons at the time and were all eager to watch this. As I was contemplating writing the review this morning, I asked my son (just 10 years old when we watched the film together nine years ago) what he had thought of it. I was amazed when he started to tell me details from the film, many I had not remembered, and even quoted lines. This settled it, the film is intended to be inspirational and according to my son, it did inspire him. And so thanks to John, it was confirmed. This would be my next review.
One of the themes from the film is of that of Inspiration. This is not the first film to tackle this theme, some of the main memorable films being Dead Poets Society and Goodbye Mr Chips. What makes this stand out from the others is that it is not just through words that this is achieved. He instils an enjoyment in the playing of music to his performing ensembles. Through example, he shows how music is "supposed to be fun" and a way to express emotions. There are wonderful scenes during which, Mr Holland tries to teach a pupil wanting to play the drums how to understand rhythm using clapping, marching persevering until we see him successfully perform. He encourages another pupil, a talented singer, to believe in herself tutoring her privately.
The film also tells the story of one man’s life and his ambition to compose one memorable piece of music. Glenn Holland played by Richard Dreyfuss is a musician and composer. To make ends meet, he who takes a teaching job whilst working towards his goal. However, Holland soon discovers that life and commitments often obstruct individual plans. His wife, Iris played by Glenne Headly becomes pregnant and their child born deaf. Headly does a wonderful job of portraying the supportive wife and mother often torn between her love for her husband and her son. Initially a reluctant teacher, Mr Holland soon starts to love his job and through his career, he turns John F. Kennedy High School musical department round from a group of unwilling and disinterested students to being highly respected and successful ensemble. Richard Dreyfuss is magnificent in this (in my consideration his best) role and rightly received an Oscar nomination.
The film highlights some of the difficulties experienced from disability. My Holland’s son Cole, played by Nicholas John Renner, Joseph Anderson and Anthony Natale at different stages of his life, is deaf. His father shows little understanding of the condition focusing more upon the disability than his son. There is a great moment when the son use sign language during an argument with his father. His father, who had not taken the time to learn how to sign at this point, does not understand. He asks his wife to interpret and is told that his son had told him where to go (in words I wouldn’t repeat).
Director, Stephen Herek’ allows the themes to develop slowly producing great emotional depth to the characters. The messages of love, acceptance, understanding and inspiration are conveyed with subtleness and thoughtfulness. Considering his major success prior to this had been, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, this film showed another facet to the director’s abilities.
The soundtrack to the film is correspondingly inspirational. The soundtrack was written by Michael Kamen. Much of the music is integral to the film, Mr Holland does write his opus, The American Symphony, which is played at his retirement at the end of the film. Many of Kamen’s themes including, Cole’s song are played by Mr Holland on the piano. Mr Holland, sings a John Lennon song, for his son, Baby Boy (not the best sung version but very moving in context representing his love, acceptance and understanding of his son). There is a section using the tunes of Gershwin including, Someone to Watch over Me, They Can't Take That Away from Me and I've Got Rhythm.
The screenplay written by Patrick Sheane Duncan is sharp and often funny. The dialogue flows particularly between Holland and his colleague, Jay Thomas as the football coach played by Bill Meister.
The film is rated PG due to some mild swearing but I do feel that it is suitable for all ages. I took my family to see it, the youngest at that time ten years old and was not concerned by the language used. The film runs for 2 hours 22 minutes, no one was bored.
The film was released on 20th January 2003 on DVD anamorphically enhanced. The only extra included on the DVD is the theatrical trailer to the film. It costs as little as £5.97 from Amazon. A CD of the soundtrack is also available from £13.99.
The film was truly inspirational, inspiring Michael Kamen, to set up the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation that supports music education in 1996. Used instruments are donated, refurbished and given to school, individuals and community groups nationwide.
Do watch it, it is an easy-watching film that will tug on your heartstrings. Be ready with the hankies, you will need them.
~~Mr Hollands Opus~~
Mr Hollands Opus is one of those films you never tire of watching, it is a heart warming musical drama. It was my husband that introduced me to this film by telling me that I had to buy it after he had seen in on the movie channel. So off I went a purchased it and I have to say I have watched it at least 5 - 6 times myself since then, my husband has watched it a lot more than that. ~~ The Story ~~
Our story starts in 1964 when ... ...hard to learn her clarinet, Mr Holland said to her "what is it you love about yourself" and she answered her hair, he went on to ask her why and she said something like because her daddy says it is beautiful and it reminds him of a sunset. With this Mr Holland takes away her sheet music tells her to close her eyes and play him the sunset. (please don't quote me I am doing this from memory).
Another one of my favourite scenes is when the high school ...
arnoldhenryrufus 14.08.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mr Holland's Opus (DVD)
Advantages: Heartwarming, good acting Disadvantages: Sentimental, 'Chips' like?
...to fill in. So, dear Mr Blair, REJOICE that I still enjoy my job!
Anyway, I love a good drama from time to time, and a good drama about teaching is about as rare as finding a virgin in a brothel, or so I've heard. When I heard in 1994 that Richard Dreyfuss (one of my favourite actors) had been nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars (he lost out to Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump), I made a note to find out what his film was like. The film was called 'Mr ... ...film of James Hilton's 'Goodbye Mr Chips'. That one helped Robert Donat to win the Oscar, and he beat Clark Gable as Rhett Butler! Tell you what, watch them both and spot the similarities!
Watch it, enjoy it, realise how hard it is to be a teacher, but watch out for the cheesy sentiment.
Running Time: 2hrs 17min
Certificate PG
Neil
July 2004 ...
Nolly 22.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Mr Holland's Opus (DVD)
Advantages: Great soundtrack,great scenario meet with the premium star Richard Dreyfuss. Disadvantages: Nothing bad for me.
...with a wonderful movie called Mr Holland's opus.Although this movie is well enough,isn't heard too much because in that year there are too much movie wonders and Mr. Holland's Opus couldn't take place between them.The premium actor Richard Dreyfuss acts greatly and he is nominated to the Oscar Award in Best Actor section but he don't win the award.
The movie has a great scenario.The movie starts at early 60s.At the beginning you see Mr. Holland ... ...of songs but he must earn money from another job for his dreams will become true.He searches a job and he finds one at high school.He becomes a music teacher now and he thinks that he can realise teaching at school and working at home for compositing and writing songs.But he thinks all time about his works at home and he doesn't help the students problem.Because of this the students hate him.One day the school head sees that Mr. Holland don't put ...
Dreamlight 01.10.2001 (09.10.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Mr Holland's Opus (DVD)
Advantages: A good storyline Disadvantages: Will make you cry
Mr Holland's Opus is a film about a man's life in teaching. A job he took for an initial 4 years and ended after 30 years.
Starring Richard Dreyfuss as Mr Holland.
The story begins in 1965, Mr Holland is newly married and his dream is to compose music, however, he and his wife need to work to make ends meet. He falls back on his teaching qualification and starts at J.F. Kennedy High School teaching music appreciation.
At first he teaches in a ... ...After a discussion with the Head, who tells him not only does he have to fill the students with knowledge but he also has to give them direction.
He then starts teaching using rock and roll music. The students become much more interested and seem to enjoy the lessons more. He also enjoys them more.
One student is desperately trying to learn to play the clarinet but failing asks for his help. Which he gives after school time (cutting in on his composing). ...
littleheidi 24.01.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Mr Holland's Opus (DVD)
A composer of music shares his musical passion with his students and learns that life isn't always predictable.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
MGM ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Release date
20/01/2003
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
19897 DVD
Barcode
5050070009378
Composer
Michael Kamen
Languages
Main Language
English
DVD Description
The year is 1965, and Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss), a composer convinced he is destined to write an historic opus, takes a job as a music teacher to pay the bills. Unbeknownst to him, it is the next 30 years, spent as an instructor, that will define his life. His passionate teaching motivates and even changes a number of his students. However, Holland suffers a tragedy in his personal life-his young son Cole is deaf, and thus unable to fully appreciate the joys of music. As a result, Holland concentrates more on his students than on his own child. But when Holland finally realizes the extent of his neglect, the teacher must learn to accept his son's handicap and give him the love and guidance he deserves.
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