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.
Mr. Holland's Opus
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A music teacher inspires his students.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Mr. Holland's Opus was written by Marjorie Kase
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.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- 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?
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More on Mr. Holland's Opus
What’s the Story?
In MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS, Richard Dreyfuss plays Glenn Holland, a young, aspiring, composer and musician who takes a position teaching a high school music class in hopes of saving enough money to play as a career. When Glenn's wife (Glenne Headly) unexpectedly gets pregnant, reality sets in. He must put his dreams on hold and remain a teacher indefinitely. Over time, Glenn finds that he enjoys teaching and being a father. His worst fear is realized, however, when he learns that his son is deaf. Unable to accept his son's disability, Holland throws himself into his work, preferring to connect with his students instead of his own family. Eventually, Holland comes around, acknowledging his faults, and makes amends by designing a concert that both hearing and non-hearing audience members can enjoy. In the film's highly emotional climax, Glenn finally grasps the magnitude of his influence, as three generations of former students come together to honor him.
Is It Any Good?
Less Stand and Deliver, more It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Holland's Opus offers a poignant (albeit sappy) look at personal sacrifice, responsibility, and the impact teachers can have on students beyond the classroom. Richard Dreyfuss gives the performance of his career as the wily, often frustrated Glenn Holland, breathing life into a character that could easily have fallen into caricature territory.
The film as a whole is not perfect. In its effort to portray Glenn as a flawed individual, the lengthy script sometimes goes too far, especially in regard to his inappropriate relationship with a student and his blatant disregard of Cole's social development. Despite these imperfections the movie is definitely worth watching, particularly during those moments of inspiration when Holland discovers his love of teaching.
Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Director: Stephen Herek
Run time: 143 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/17/1997, DVD release: 8/24/1999
MPAA Rating: PG for mild language
Run time: 143 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/17/1997, DVD release: 8/24/1999
MPAA Rating: PG for mild language
Our Members Say
See all 3 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
A Moving and Meaningful Family Film...
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I rate this title pause for age 0 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)
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Amazing music movie
This is a great movie with a few sad parts but a must see for sure
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