An earnest and at times overblown story of a music teacher's impact on those around 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 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 Opusis a showcase for a fine Oscar-nominated performance by Dreyfuss and an engaging, heartwarming story.--Robert Lane
Brought into this gig kicking&screaming! Mr. Holland's words. A true and moving tribute to all those who teach&who sometimes feel as if they are failures. This is a film to watch&then write every teacher you had who made a difference. They really could use the boost I'm sure.
Fantastically passionate film about ordinary man I can't say enough about this film. Have seen many before with similar storyline, but this takes the cake....Very passionate, very real...ups and downs...you'll laugh, cry, and feel inspired all at once....Good colour in DVD version, Great soundtrack..MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS I saw this movie in the theaters twice and I'll tell you, I love this movie a lot. Dreyfuss gives an excellent performance as a struggling composer who puts his career on hold to pursue another. As a music teacher over a 30 year period. The story line touched my heart a lot and it will touch yours too.