Watch Mr. Holland's Opus For Free

Sick Product of a Sick System

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

I'm sure I've said it in one or more of my other reviews, but I don't think I could ever be a teacher. I just don't have the patience for it, and I have to admire someone like Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) who can put aside those feelings of frustration when it seems like he's not connecting with his students, or when they're just not that interested in what he's teaching. The story actually starts out that way, and I could identify with Holland the first time he erupts in class, only with me, it would probably be for the entire semester. So I acknowledge that deficiency on my part, and give teachers all the credit in the world they deserve. The interesting thing is how Mr. Holland found himself stuck as a teacher much the same way young student Gertrude Lang remained stuck as an ineffective musician. Holland needed to reach into his inner reservoir of humanity to strike just the right chord in order for Gertrude to overcome the obstacle that hindered her ability. Once that hurdle was cleared, she was able to participate in the band successfully, even if it was not her career ambition. I liked the way that scenario played out. I think we probably all have had teachers in our past that struck just that right chord to make classroom participation enjoyable and steer us in the right direction. It wasn't until Holland introduced his class to the connection between Bach and rock n' roll that he really hit his stride. Making subjects fun is an admirable skill that a lot of teachers just don't get. It's unfortunate however that Holland couldn't translate some of that teaching ability to his home life and relationship with his own son. But that in time did also improve, a case of Holland learning how to be a talented human being as well as a talented teacher. So all in all, "Mr. Holland's Opus" is an inspiring story, showing how a single individual can affect the lives of so many in ways that are both visible and invisible. Every school deserves to have at least one teacher on board like Mr. Holland, inspiring students and faculty alike.

Without doubt,Mr Holland's Opus,is a reminder that not all heroes wear capes.The true beauty of this film is in how it is paced correctly to tell a story of a man,and how this man without trying to ,touched others lives in a profound fashion,due to his one passion,music,teaching music is one of the five keys of life,and this film should be required inspirational must watch while being educated for all students world wide in my humble view,it gently reminds us of the consequences of war,yet does not dwell too long,Richard Dreyfuss is talent beyond talent,possibly the only reason he did not win the Oscar for best actor in this 1995 tale ,is quite possibly due to the fact that an Oscar for this performance,was simply not a fitting accolade to suit,or in other words,this story is in a class of its own as is the performance he delivered,so any award would be superfluous,such are the lessons to be learnt within,I passed my love of this film on to my children,for to do other would be a disservice as a parent.

I like the intent behind this film. Having been a teacher for well over forty years, I know that there is a serious connection between success in school and life and arts education. This is a story of a dedicated teacher (although he is dedicated to the exclusion of just about anything else, including his family). He is played by Richard Dreyfuss and he does quite well, although Dreyfuss seems to play the exact same personality in just about everyone of his films. He touched on classical music before as a young pianist in "The Competition" with Amy Irving. Of course, his superhuman portrayal is almost a bit beyond the efforts of the most dedicated teachers. The one thing I do have trouble with is his close relationship with a couple female students. I know that even in the time of this film, Mr. Holland may not have an opus; he would have had another number in front of his picture. He was playing with fire. But all that aside, it portrays an excited, dedicated person who touched the lives of others.

That is the length of this wonderful movie. You will not notice the time as you are drawn in to the story. I can only give it the standard accolades, as not much more needs to be said. Insiring, feel good, warm.It is a credit to teachers,musicians, Fathers, anyone who gets up and goes to work each day feeling their job is not important.Mr. Dreyfuss seems to have the Midas touch as an actor, for he turns every role into something golden. The characters of Cole and Rowena were particularly poignant.It is a wonderful investment of 146 minutes. This film probably did set out to be a heartwarming inspiring film, but it did so much more