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Mr. Holland's Opus
1995 143 min United States of America PG 6+
★7.4
Drama, Music
Director: Stephen Herek
Trailers
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Description
In 1965, passionate musician Glenn Holland takes a day job as a high school music teacher, convinced it's just a small obstacle on the road to his true calling: writing a historic opus. As the decades roll by with the composition unwritten but generations of students inspired through his teaching, Holland must redefine his life's purpose.
Budget:
$31M
US Gross:
$82.57M
Worldwide:
$106.3M
Starring
Richard Dreyfuss
Actor
Glenne Headly
Actor
Jay Thomas
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1996
— Best Actor (Drama)
Golden Globe 1996
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1996
— Best Actor
Key opinion
Mr. Holland's Opus is widely regarded as a sincere and emotionally resonant tribute to the teaching profession and the enduring impact of arts education. While some critics find its episodic structure reminiscent of other sentimental dramas, the film is anchored by a compelling central performance that captures a life of quiet sacrifice and dedication.
| Acting | Richard Dreyfuss anchors the film with an extraordinary, Oscar-nominated performance that captures the character's evolution from reluctant educator to devoted mentor. | |
| Theme | The narrative effectively champions the essential role of music and arts education in shaping students' lives against the backdrop of a changing America. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay successfully balances Holland's personal family conflicts—specifically his relationship with his deaf son—with his professional life as a teacher. | |
| Pacing | The film's lengthy, episodic structure is seen by some as a meaningful life portrait, while others find the pacing unfocused and less impactful compared to similar inspirational dramas. |