Common Sense Media Review
Outstanding family classic has glorious music.
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The Sound of Music
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 65 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is a timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages, praised for its infectious music and heartwarming story. While it has some intense moments related to WWII that may require parental discretion, the overall message of family, love, and self-discovery shines through, making it an ideal choice for family viewing, particularly for kids ages 5 and up.
- timeless classic
- infectious music
- family themes
- intense moments
- suitable for ages 5+
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 101 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a classic that combines heartwarming storytelling with incredible music, making it enjoyable for all ages, although it may be lengthy and occasionally intense due to serious themes like WWII. Many viewers appreciate the strong performances, particularly from the lead actress, but some recommend discretion for younger audiences due to brief moments that could be scary.
- classic musical
- heartwarming story
- strong performances
- intense themes
- suitable for all ages
- lengthy runtime
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The beloved musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC tells the fictionalized love story of the real-life Maria von Trapp (Julie Andrews), who doesn't fit into the abbey where she's training to be a nun. While she means well, she's constantly in trouble. The wise abbess sends Maria 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 by sharing her love of music and teaching them to sing. The captain's friend Max (Richard Haydn) wants the kids to sing at the local festival, but the stern captain refuses -- at first. But when the captain hosts a party, he starts to notice a certain governess more than he should, especially since he's been wooing a baroness (Eleanor Parker) 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.
Is It Any Good?
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 (Charmian Carr), 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 it 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 you're 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
- In theaters : March 2, 1965
- On DVD or streaming : August 13, 2002
- Cast : Charmian Carr , Christopher Plummer , Julie Andrews
- Director : Robert Wise
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Arts ( Concert , Music and Sing-Along ) , Family Stories , Friendship , Travel , History ( War: Other , War: WWII )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 174 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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