I'm sure I've said it in one or more of my other reviews, but I don't think I could ever be a teacher. I just don't have the patience for it, and I have to admire someone like Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) who can put aside those feelings of frustration when it seems like he's not connecting with his students, or when they're just not that interested in what he's teaching. The story actually starts out that way, and I could identify with Holland the first time he erupts in class, only with me, it would probably be for the entire semester. So I acknowledge that deficiency on my part, and give teachers all the credit in the world they deserve. The interesting thing is how Mr. Holland found himself stuck as a teacher much the same way young student Gertrude Lang remained stuck as an ineffective musician. Holland needed to reach into his inner reservoir of humanity to strike just the right chord in order for Gertrude to overcome the obstacle that hindered her ability. Once that hurdle was cleared, she was able to participate in the band successfully, even if it was not her career ambition. I liked the way that scenario played out. I think we probably all have had teachers in our past that struck just that right chord to make classroom participation enjoyable and steer us in the right direction. It wasn't until Holland introduced his class to the connection between Bach and rock n' roll that he really hit his stride. Making subjects fun is an admirable skill that a lot of teachers just don't get. It's unfortunate however that Holland couldn't translate some of that teaching ability to his home life and relationship with his own son. But that in time did also improve, a case of Holland learning how to be a talented human being as well as a talented teacher. So all in all, "Mr. Holland's Opus" is an inspiring story, showing how a single individual can affect the lives of so many in ways that are both visible and invisible. Every school deserves to have at least one teacher on board like Mr. Holland, inspiring students and faculty alike.

I like the intent behind this film. Having been a teacher for well over forty years, I know that there is a serious connection between success in school and life and arts education. This is a story of a dedicated teacher (although he is dedicated to the exclusion of just about anything else, including his family). He is played by Richard Dreyfuss and he does quite well, although Dreyfuss seems to play the exact same personality in just about everyone of his films. He touched on classical music before as a young pianist in "The Competition" with Amy Irving. Of course, his superhuman portrayal is almost a bit beyond the efforts of the most dedicated teachers. The one thing I do have trouble with is his close relationship with a couple female students. I know that even in the time of this film, Mr. Holland may not have an opus; he would have had another number in front of his picture. He was playing with fire. But all that aside, it portrays an excited, dedicated person who touched the lives of others.

I chose my path as a social worker knowing the financial rewards will never, ever offset the rewards I savor each time a student, client, family member, friend, coworker (etc.) discovers they do in deed(s) change our world, one word, one action, one step at a time.Mr. Holland's Opus (well reviewed in the hundreds of prior reviews) drives home an important fact. That fact? Fact: no matter what one feels about their life accomplishments, it PALES in comparison to what others feel about you.Now, after almost a decade of teaching people how to re-awaken to their fullest sense of worth (via my classes, books, seminars, etc.) I savor this movie in my small DVD collection. (12 DVD's so far since DVD's became publicly available.) I play this DVD in one of my classes to set the stage for a robust journey of self discovery.In gratitude I bow to all who take the risk to balance dreams with deeds. Your balancing act 'is the journey' of a lifetime!

I enjoyed this film in its initial theatrical run, then repeated viewings. Just recently (I don't have it on DVD yet) it came on TV so I recorded it as my teenage boys haven't seen it.So my wife, the boys and I watched it together and enjoyed it. Great performances all around, especially for Richard Dreyfuss. He was fantastic as the composer-turned-high school music teacher. A wonderful blend of drama and comedy! Having the historic aspect of world events was a terrific idea. I would say another reason we enjoyed the film was how it presented teaching.....that it can be done in other ways to get across to students.The soundtrack for the film was also chosen well!