Mr. Holland's Opus Movie Information

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Movie Information

Overall Rank: 2818

Average Rating: 2.8/4

# of Ratings: 117

Theatrical Release Date: 12/29/1995

Language: English

Genre: Drama

MPAA Rating: PG

Director: Stephen Herek

Actors: Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas, Olympia Dukakis, William H. Macy, Alicia Witt

Plot: An aspiring musician and composer takes a teaching job to pay the rent while he writes his masterpiece. His life is forever changed by the impact he has on students and the impact they in turn make on him.

Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/26/2019

"Mr. Holland's Opus" is moving as both a coming-of-age piece, and an overall genuine slice of life that in its own right is a symphony of cinematic excellence.

PsychoKing1227 - wrote on 05/02/2010

One of the most touching and elegant films I've ever seen. Richard Dreyfuss brings to light a wonderful character coping with one of the greatest trials they can undergo. A wondrous film that highlights many of our worst fears as well as our greatest triumphs. A soul-altering film that moves you in a way that cannot be fully explained, the epic timeline of "Mr. Holland's Opus" brings to knowledge the changing times, how time passes, but we do not.

Chris Kavan - wrote on 07/05/2007

Mr. Holland's Opus is heartwarming without getting too sappy. Richard Dreyfuss is spectacular as the music teacher who is constantly trying to finish his masterpiece while life passes him by. A good film to lift your spirit.

Daniel Corleone
Movie God

Mr. Hollands Opus review

Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/08/2011

It’s a feel good movie when you’re feeling down or is disappointed with your parents. A story of a talented musician/composer named Glen Holland (Richard Dreyfuss). He accepted a job as a teacher for music appreciation at John F. Kennedy High School headed by principal Helen Jacobs (Olympia Dukakis). His first 5 months he struggled with the inept ability of his students to learn the basics of music. He then discovered that one should learn music the fun way. Iris (Glenne Headly) becomes pregnant and delivers Coltrane “Cole” Holland. Loosing 90% of the child’s hearing, they enroll him to an institution that does sign language. Mr. Holland had become close with the students in school, and not enough time with his disabled son. He redeems himself by orchestrating for the …

mdtinney
Movie God

A tear jerkr about a triumphant life.

mdtinney - wrote on 10/21/2009

Opus literally means "work" in Latin. And this affecting tale of a man's life work is one of the best made in recent years.It's a brilliant script. Mr. Holland's passion for life - music, his work, his family - is wonderfully depicted, and contrasted against his own limitations in being able to achieve his goals. When faced with his shortcomings, he does something about them, and in the end triumphs because of it. And having his former students come back and show him how he has influenced their lives is an especially nice touch. The acting is excellent. Dreyfuss is a skilled actor, and he brings a warmth to the part that contrasts nicely with Mr. Holland's less appealing characteristics. Headley gives a sweet performance as a woman who loves her family and stands by them no matter what. …