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Mr Holland's Opus on DVD (1995)

Mr Holland's Opus cover art
Average rating: (71%)
12133141420411
3.5
 
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss | Glenne Headly | Jay Thomas | Olympia Dukakis | William H. Macy | Alicia Witt
Director: Stephen Herek
Studio: MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time: 136 mins
Certificate: PG
User collections: The Mr Men's Comeback Favourites (unofficial) | Some of the greatest films of all time | I love these films but hey everyone has different taste | My favourite films (changing all the time)
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Released: 20/01/2003

Brief synopsis of Mr Holland's Opus

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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Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Richard Dreyfuss strikes just the right note of sentiment and truth here as music teacher Glenn Holland, who wonders if 30 years at the high school chalkface have been worthwhile — especially as he sacrificed his ambitions to be a composer. A shrewd mix of Goodbye, Mr Chips and It's a Wonderful Life, it adds harsher ingredients, including Mr Holland's neglect of his wife and hearing-impaired son to further the education of his students. The way Dreyfuss lightens up his character (for example, incorporating jazz in the syllabus) makes the film satisfyingly accessible to young and old.

Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsOne of the best

Rick from Devon, England. , 13/05/2004

Once in a while along comes a movie that begs the question, Why have I not heard of this before. Mr Hollands Opus is one of those. This is a movie that I could, and have watched over and over again.

A movie great thats not to be missed with a truly touching ending.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 2 starsconcept

A customer from england , 20/03/2004

the story of an average music teacher... pleasant movie... a lifetime.. imagine yours...

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 1 starsA bit disappointing

xandie100 from Worcs , 04/10/2005

The main thing that spoilt this film for me was that the main character had no endearing qualities whatsoever; He was grumpy, reluctant to help others and emotionally distant. He was curt and abrupt with his son, etc etc.

But for some unknown reason everyone seemed to like him, went out of their way to help him, and at the end it was as if he was a massive hero. Apart from that, it was quite a good film from the middle to the end, once I'd stopped wondering why they chose such an unlikeable character as the lead.

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsMr hollands opus

A customer from scotland , 06/03/2004

Lovely movie...one of those you watch and feel good...and then at the end...need the hankies to mop those tears. Thoroughly recommended.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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