Richard Dreyfuss is the best thing in MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS, a moving drama about a simple music teacher who impacts generations of children and learns his life has unexpected meaning. As the music teacher, Holland, Dreyfuss gives a wonderful performance, and he conveys the film's messages and morals perfectly. This is a great family film; you should overlook mild objectionable content simply because it is such a meaningful story. There is one "a*shole" is sign language, and Holland flirts with a beautiful student, who invites him to run away with her, but he declines. This is a wonderful family movie, and some corny moments pale in comparison to the moving and inspiring messages.
Tools for this page
Mr. Holland's Opus
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
A music teacher inspires his students.
updated 04.23.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence :
-
Sex :
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Mr. Holland's Opus
Parents need to know that the film includes a lengthy subplot involving Mr. Holland's crush on one of his students. Although he does not act on his feelings, Mr. Holland condones her plan to skip town before high school graduation. Beyond this, there is little for parents to worry about. Cole calls Mr. Holland an a-hole in sign language. Mr. Holland and Iris have a brief discussion about sex. Two male students briefly walk in front of the camera holding hands.
Read our full review by Marjorie Kase
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about coping with disability, teachers who make a difference, and the importance of arts and music education. They can also discuss important events in history as they take place in the film, such as the death of a student in Vietnam and the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and John Lennon. Why does Mr. Holland react so severely when John Lennon dies? Is there a musician or music group that you feel that strongly about? In the film, Mr. Holland suggests that the roots of rock music lie in classical music. Parents may discuss with their kids how music from their generation has influenced current popular music. What do bands/musicians like The Strokes, Black Eyed Peas, and Kanye West have in common with The Kinks, Sly and the Family Stone, and Marvin Gaye?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!
To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.
Our Members Say
See all 3 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in NebraskaI rate this title on for age 10 and give itA Moving and Meaningful Family Film...
- Lives in ArkansasI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Amazing music movie
This is a great movie with a few sad parts but a must see for sure
- Lives inI rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Not a school Movie
This movie I don't believe is a good school movie because when we watched it the reactions of some kids were highly immature. I am in grade 7 and we watched it with grade 8's. When the gay guys were walking in front of the High-School some kids laughed and my friends dad is gay so she felt really left out. I would advise teachers not to play it in a school atmosphere with kids my age. (Around 12)
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.
Already a member? Log in
Our Members Rate It
Have You Seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
