Parents' Guide to

The Sound of Music

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Outstanding family film features glorious music.

Movie NR 1965 174 minutes
The Sound of Music Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 5+

Based on 53 parent reviews

T J.
T J. Adult
November 17, 2018
age 7+

Boring!

2 people found this helpful.
bflemingca
bflemingca Parent of 7 and 9-year-old
May 5, 2021
age 6+
1 person found this helpful.
See all 53 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The beloved musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC tells the fictionalized love story of Maria von Trapp (Julie Andrews), who does not fit into the abbey where she lives. While she means well, she's constantly in trouble. The wise abbess sends her away to be the governess for the seven children of stern widower Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). The children are uncooperative until Maria wins them over, sharing her love of music and teaching them to sing. The captain's friend Max wants the kids to sing at the local festival, but the stern captain refuses -- at first. But when the captain hosts a ball, he begins to notice a certain singing governess more than he should (he's been wooing an uppity baroness and had intended to propose). At the same time, Nazi sympathizers are moving into his beloved Austria and preparing to take over -- and he'll be expected to join them. In the end, he chooses Maria, and entering the singing contest turns into an escape from the Nazis.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (53):
Kids say (88):

This classic film is filled with glorious songs ("Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss, "So Long, Farewell") and has plenty for hopeless romantics to enjoy. Especially sweet is the song "Something Good," which the captain and Maria sing to each other. The Sound of Music also effectively works in the tension and foreboding of the time period. Everyone in Austria has to make a choice when the Nazis arrive. The beau of Liesl, the captain's oldest daughter, becomes so committed to the Nazis that he's willing to betray the young woman he cared for. Even the nuns in the abbey must make a choice. It's worth discussing with older kids why this was such a tense time and why the Von Trapps made the painful decision to flee the country they loved.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Sound of Music compares to more recent musical films. How is this one different or similar? What makes this movie a classic?

  • Talk about the songs in the movie. What does the song, "Climb Every Mountain" mean? What about "My Favorite Things"? If you were going to write the song, what would be on your list of favorite things?

  • How do the filmmakers create tension in the last few minutes of the movie? What effects do they use? How do you feel when watching the ending?

  • How do the characters in The Sound of Music demonstrate integrity, humility, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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