Mr. Holland's Opus

Mr. Holland's Opus is a 1996 American dramatic film directed by Stephen Herek.

Fast Facts

1. Director: Stephen Herek
2. Writer: Patrick Sheane Duncan
3. Producers: Scot Kroopf, Patrick Sheane Duncan
4. Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, William H. Macy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Glenne Headly
5. Released: January 19, 1996
6. Run time: 143 min
7. MPAA rating: PG
8. Distributor: Hollywood Pictures, Universal Studios
9. Gross: 106 million USD
10. Dreyfuss got an Oscar nomination for "Best Actor"

Plot

Composer Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) wanted to write the great American symphony, but took on a teaching job in the 1960s to help pay the bills.

Originally intended to just be a short "gig," Holland gradually finds himself enjoying his work and his students, sometimes at the expense of spending time with his wife (Gleanne Headly) and deaf son, Cole.

The film chronicles Holland's 30 years of teaching, inspiring students and later coming to terms with the fact that although Cole can't hear music, he can find ways to help Cole appreciate it.

By the time Holland is let go from his job, due to the music program being cut from the school's dwindling budget, he finished his symphony, and closes the film conducting it with his opus of past and present students.

Critical Response

Made in response to schools across America cutting their music programs, Mr. Holland's Opus opened to favorable praise and box office success.

The film has a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics both praising and bashing its sentimentality.

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