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Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) - Full Reaction (Patreon)

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2024-04-19 07:25:33
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2026-06
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This was beautiful and heartbreaking and left me an emotional mess. It really makes you think about the impact teachers have on us and the sacrifices they make. Mr. Holland may not have achieved his own musical dreams, but he touched the lives of countless students!

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[Full Reaction] Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

Comments

Brian McGovern

I found it ironic that his opus at the end should have been a rousing piece of music that makes you want to cheer, but in reality it did not have me feeling that way.

John

While it's not my kind of movie, I do enjoy your emotional reactions to movies such as this one. You're the best, Cassie!

Nathan Jasper, the Artist Formerly Known as Primary

I didn't meet my "Mr. Holland" until college. My high school teachers were worthless. But I will always remember Wanda. She got me through Accounting and a lot of classes that I didn't understand and she became a great friend. Losing her to a stroke so suddenly still hurts to this day.

Matt Atkinson

As much as this is a movie about teachers it's just add much a movie about not truly knowing the impact you can have on others. Mr Holland thought he was a failure. He thought he didn't make a difference. He wanted to pursue his music career and felt stuck in this teaching job. He believed to some extent that he wasted his life and his talents as a musician so it's a story about his growth and finding that he did make a difference, a really big difference in a lot of lives. His son being born deaf felt like a personal attack on him because of his love for music. Have a soon who can't hear the notes he loves? That was a hard lesson for him to learn and then finally being able to connect with him. The Rowena sequence was hard for me but I understand that he felt trapped, his life wasn't going the way he thought it should have gone, Rowena could have been an escape and a chance to live this life he had dreamed of. But ultimately he stood strong and stayed loyal. I'm so happy you watched this movie. It's been one of my favorites for many years.. 😁

Tom Furze

His true Opus was his son and his students. The impact he had on their lives was beautiful "music".

Damien beatty

I remember when they were filming this in Portland at a high school known for excellent young musicians many of whom went on to bigger and better things in the music world.

Ben Livingstone

My schooling was a dismal, depressing, boring experience. But there were a few classes that really stuck with me, only because the teacher went above and beyond.

djKENTO

Just a warning for Apocalypse Now… it has real animal violence in it. If that kind of thing upsets you I’d hate for you to not be aware. You’ll know when it’s going to happen… You just may want to close your eyes for a while… I’m sure some one can even tell you exactly how long to close them for.

Paul Ark

Am absolutely thrilled that this film finally made your channel, and knew it would connect with you. Been watching this film regularly over the past 25 years, and I always find myself teary-eyed at least a half a dozen scenes.

David Collins

I think most all of us have a "Mr. Holland" we can think back on - someone who took the time and interest in us as kids to enrich our lives and leave an impact on us that transcended the classroom. My entire professional career I owe to the influence of one teacher who saw in me an interest and an ability I was too young and ignorant to recognize or even consider. He planted a seed that completely changed the course of my life for the better. He took time from his personal life to see that seed sprout and I could never thank him enough for what he did for me. A couple of notes: Olympia Dukakis who you loved in "Steel Magnolias" played the first principal - the one who hired Mr. Holland. Not sure if you recognized her, I was surprised you didn't make the connection - or at least mention it if you did. Forest Whitaker had a small role as the student who stood up and threatened the student who eventually went to the funeral with Mr. Holland. You would know him as the guy who drove the jeep in "Good Morning Vietnam". EDIT: Mojo pointed out in his reply to mine, this was actually Damon Whitaker - Forest's brother. The resemblance between the two is striking. If you liked Richard Dreyfus in this, put a pin in the movie "Always" - another of my all-time favorites and a movie that will be right in your wheelhouse. It has great performances from John Goodman who is fantastic, Holly Hunter who is mesmerizing and is the final movie of the late, great and legendary Audrey Hepburn who I think remained stunning right up to the day she passed. She literally commanded the screen every time I've ever seen her on it.

Raven Dark

Fantastic reaction, Cassie. This filled my heart with joy. I love this movie, and I'm so happy it won. Looking forward to War of the Worlds, too!

Dan M
>>135627345

I had a very similar experience with a teacher in high school. Its amazing how much of an influence a teacher can have when he or she selflessly takes the time to work with you, especially through the middle school and high school years.

Dan M

My alarm went off at the usual time this morning. I hit the snooze twice because I was just too comfortable snuggled up against my wife to get out of bed. The alarm went off again…and I know I can’t put off the inevitable anymore. I roll over and glance up at the crescent window in our bedroom. I can see its dark, its gray, and their are beads of rain trickling down the glass. UGH! Another gloomy spring day. The only ray of light is knowing the weekend is just a work shift away. Then…I grab my phone and tap the screen, and I see the notification that Cassie has watched and reacted to Mr. Holland’s Opus! OH MY GOSH! My day just got brighter knowing I’ll be able to watch along and enjoy one of my all time favorite movies some time this weekend. “ Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you haven’t touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. Holland.”

Walter

well, I haven't cried that much during a PIB movie before. I haven't seen this since the theaters in 1995. PS. All of Cassie's suggested alternate movie titles are really bad.

Blake Evans

I went to film school at SCAD and was introduced to this film by one of my professors Michael Nolin who was one of the producers. Plus I was a band geek in high school with one of the best band directors. So this movie hits all the feels with me.

Terry Yelmene

"Oh my heavens!" "Teachers deserve the world!" Cassie really, really GOT EMOTIONAL FOR THIS ONE! (...and Cassie your 'conductor' at the end... was great… BUT I’m afraid that though I never really have before... I have to disagree with you about the movie title. You see Cassie, the definition is - OPUS [noun] A creative work, especially a musical composition numbered to designate the order of a composer's works. - ...so considering the years of his teaching masterpiece... I'd say ‘Mr Holland's Opus' is one of the finest, most appropriate tiles ever given to a film-story.))

zynjams

next teacher movie should be To Sir With Love

Above Average Dave

I hated every minute of every level of school and was actually thrown out of Nursery School for a week, so this should go well.

Mojo One Thousand
>>135627345

I thought it was Forest Whittaker when I first saw the interaction with Terrence Howard, but I thought Forest Whitaker would have been too old, as he was playing a early to mid-20s GI in "Good Morning Vietnam" which is the better part of 10 years before this movie was made. I saw the name in the credits and looked it up, it is Forest's brother Damon Whitaker, which would explain the resemblance

David Patterson

I've always thought that every teacher should have an event like this at the end of their careers. I can picture several ineffectual teachers of mine walking into near empty auditoria.

Shawn Kildal

I remember putting this movie in the VCR for the first time not knowing what to think, and when the first note of the musical opening played I knew I was in for something special!

Mojo One Thousand

So many actors in this, particular some younger ones like Alicia Witt (young "Gertrude") and Terrence Howard ("Louis Russ", and the original "Colonel James Rhodes" from the first "Iron Man"- maybe where the recognition comes from). Vale Glenne Headly (Iris Holland). I was thinking recently about "Dick Tracy" and suggesting it for the channel, mainly because it is a comic book movie before they became the staples of cinema they are today, and it has a stacked cast that may be interesting to see if they get recognised, as Cassie said herself, she's IMDB now. "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" has also been in the mix recently, which is another fine suggestion. Been a long time since I have seen this, so did know some of the story, but when I first saw it I was like one of Mr. Holland's student, and to coin a phrase from "Whiplash", this was "not my tempo", but being an older man now I can appreciate why it is beloved by many. If I had of realised Jean Louisa Kelly (Rowena) was in this I may have taken more of an interest in it. I had a bit of crush on her as a wee lad when I first saw "Uncle Buck", so now I am hoping that comes around soon in the March Madness wildcard stuff.

David Collins
>>135627345

Nice catch, Mojo! It looks so much like him, I've never even questioned it. Probably because I didn't see GMV until shortly after Robin Williams passed away. I didn't see MHO when it came out either for that matter, but rather in 2001. Actually, that would have been in September of 2001. I remember having two Netflix DVD sleeves, "Mr. Hollands Opus" and "The Boondock Saints", sitting on my coffee table waiting to be sent back, the day I turned on my TV and watched the planes fly into the towers. Strange the things we remember at times like that. What I can't for the life of me remember is why I didn't have to work that day.

KTVindicare

Knew you'd love this one Cassie. Can't wait to see the reaction.

David Collins
>>135637151

Based on that I'm going to guess you might also have had an appreciation for Andie MacDowell. Probably for Julia Ormond too.

Gary W

My high school music teacher looked EXACTLY like the older Mr. Holland, right down to the gray hair, mustache, and sweater vest.

Ryan Towell

I'm a music dude, so the title I totally understood it had something to do with a composer and seeing the trailer for it, I was sold. Still one of my favorites and my favorite Richard Dreyfuss performance.

Walter
>>135631060

but if you want to see him in New York, watch The Goodbye Girl

Dan M
>>135636795

I had the same feeling. Some movies are really good, and some movies are really special. This movie is really special.

Jason Dolan

Been a while since I've seen this and I just broke down into tears during the Coltrane monologue. What's going on with me this Friday morning? Haha.

Jason Dolan
>>135652655

Regarding your phone being on do not disturb i think you can actually hit a button and break the disturb

softshoes

A wonderful movie and reaction as well. Like Mr Holland you Cassie had to be drug kicking and screaming to love this as much as many of us do. You came around, I knew you would. This would have been great to share with Carly, her loss.

Matt Mabry

One of my top 10 all time favs. I played in orchestra, jazz, marching, etc for over 6 years, I had a Mr. Holland, his name was Stewart Hughes. He passed away many years ago, but his demeanor and character helped mold some of my character. No matter how much I try, this movie brings tears every time. I am so, so glad U Conn won and we got to watch this with you Cassie. Thanks you.

Michael West

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". The line from the John Lennon song pretty much sums up this move for me. This has always been one of my favorites. Happy you watched it and really enjoyed your reaction. You never know what just taking a little time with a student can accomplish.

John Liebling

Almost one hundred years ago...May 4, 1924 the 7th modern Olympics was held in Paris France. How great it would be for Cassie and Carly to watch the inspirational true story of the athletes running in that 7th Olympics...the academy award winning film: "Chariots of Fire." And the best date would be to react some time before May 4 so we call see it on May 4, 2024. There is of course a Star Trek connection, but Cassie won't see that until she watches the Chris Pine films. And I am tossing this out again, it would be great if before Cassie starts to watch the Chris Pine films, she one last time looked at the original Star Trek for a double episode known as the Menagerie. As a retired history teacher, I am happy Cassie reacted to Mr. Holland's Opus. Next on the hit parade I hope it's "Stand and Deliver" Lou Diamond Philips, you reacted to him recently, he was the Indian in "Young Guns."

Alan Kobb

I'm not normally one to say "I told you so", but I did tell you before that you'd feel this way about Mr. Holland. I guess you can thank UConn for winning!

Jason Dolan
>>135652655

Fun fact this movie came out the same year The American President which just shows what a versatile actor Dreyfuss really is

Carol Rocha

This is just one of the best movies ever made. I’m so grateful to get to watch your reaction.

Jason Dolan
>>135652655

fun fact the actress who plays Rowena played Val Kilmer's wife in TOP GUN MAVERICK

KTVindicare
>>135658424

It was a #1 seed for a reason. A lot of us knew this movie would get her feeling some kind of way.

Ike

This movie was brought to you by the letters -UCONN-. Two hours ago I wasn’t thinking about the late Ms. Eloise Ballard, who literally threw things and examined every expression on your face while force-feeding us both Physics and Pre-Cal (11th and 12th grade). She graded harshly, she wasn’t the type who forgot about homework, she didn’t tolerate inattention, and yet went to every school sports event alone and seemed delighted if one of her students were fouled. (I got pushed into the third row of the bleachers after missing a catch and she asked me the following Monday if the answers I suddenly forgot were in the bleachers - Lord Almighty that was mean!). And yet, I owe her everything. We could tell, and now know for sure by others, that Ms. B was slumming it with us in school because she could have easily worked at NASA just down the street. Ms. Ballard wasn’t Mr. Holland by any stretch [and there were others later completely intolerant of less-than-stellar efforts] but movies have a way to make you reflect on those we’ve forgotten that made us better. I loved this reaction! We knew this would touch you, but we didn’t know how much.

D. T. Nelson

A good companion movie (also starring a much younger Richard Dreyfuss) is The Competition—a romantic drama from 1980. Other great Richard Dreyfuss movies - The Goodbye Girl (1977), Whose Life is it Anyway? (1981), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), and Always (1989). He also has a smaller role in another recommendation from the NCAA tournement that never made it out of the early rounds— RED (2010).

Clay F

Good reaction. Heartfelt outro. I like this movie, especially the Richard Dreyfuss performance. A good movie that has Richard Dreyfuss is "American Graffiti" (1973). He was good in The American President, What about Bob?, and Jaws, all 3 you reacted to. The actor who portrays the wrestler drummer (Louis Russ) killed in Vietnam is Terrence Howard who is in "Empire (2015-2020)" and "Prisoners" (you reacted to), among other movies as you may know. I had a good high school band teacher who had influence on me.

DAVID COSTELLO

I just loved the "I want to talk to my son!" scene so much. So heartbreaking. RIP Glenne Headly.

Carol Rocha

I think it’s a fitting name for this movie bc OPUS literally is defined as “A creative work”. So it truly was not [all] about the creative work (his composition) ; but a creative work—the collection of lives that he touched. :)

René Ferland

I am a little amazed that you didn't like the title and it had (at first) such a negative impact on you. I found nothing great about it but nothing to turn me off either :-). I figured you would be emotional with this movie (specially the last scene) so I was worried the title would ruin the experience for you. Fortunately no. I saw that movie in a theater when it was released. I felt that "Opus" refered to something special he wrote or did in (or with) his life. When I saw him in the high school, I knew it would be about his life and work as a teacher. Mr Holland's Opus is not based on a real story although many of us have seen a Mr Holland at some point. An other movie of the same kind is "Music of the Heart" (Meryl Streep is the teacher) and that one is based on a real story. I should also mention "Lean on Me" about a high school principal (Morgan Freeman) this time, also based on a real story.

Susan Stork

One of my all time favorite movies. So impactful, and beautifully acted. I will say I cannot stand that whole part with the young woman, Rowena? So I always skip over that part. But otherwise I love each of the individual moments he has with the students and how he learns sign language for his son. I am not even a Richard Dreyfus fan. I have seen him in this and The American President. The only other movie I have watched with him and I think is fantastic is The Goodbye Girl with Marsha Mason. A teriffically written film. Maybe you can think about watching that one day.

ButtercupsTrueLove
>>135634884

I take it that despite your miserable schooling experience that you are doing okay in life and not writing this from a prison cell.

ButtercupsTrueLove

I think a better title for this movie would have been "Beetlejuice" but I see that it's already been taken.

Above Average Dave
>>135634884

"There but for the grace of God go I." I won't lie — there were a few moments where I could've gone either way but life is good and every day's a blessing. I think the only thing that stopped me from making some really bad decisions was the thought "How am I going to explain this to my Grandmas?" I thank the good Lord for my family every day.

Above Average Dave
>>135637151

Speaking of Julia Ormond, has anyone seen SMILA'S SENSE OF SNOW? The book was incredibly well-written, but it seemed much better for a mini-series than a movie.

Uncle Phoenix
>>135680377

I think the Goodbye Girl was awesome, but my favorite Richard Dreyfus film was Night Falls on Manhattan (1997). He plays a defense lawyer in this courtroom drama starring Andy Garcia. Strong performances from the whole cast.

Marshmallow Venom

That was just the reaction I expected from you, Cassie. Great job!

Uncle Phoenix
>>135634884

I hated a lot of school and would be lying if I said that modern schools are accomplishing their stated missions. It is a point of shame that two Americans with incredibly high IQ’s are college drop outs. (Marilyn vos Savant and Christopher Michael Langan) How is it even possible that institutions supposedly dedicated to education fail the most intelligent?

Uncle Phoenix
>>135655366

LOL please beware, “Chariots of Fire” and “Quest for Fire” both came out in 1981. Two VERY different movies. Learned that one the hard way. (Thirty minutes of unintelligible grunting before I realized “I don’t think that this is about the Olympics.")

David Collins
>>135678684

Mr. Holland's Opus may not be based on a true story, but it's definitely based on hundreds of thousands of real people throughout history who deserve to have their story told. "Lean on Me" is a fantastic movie too! I had forgotten about that one. Going to have to dig it out now.

David Collins
>>135637151

I have not, are you recommending it or just digging for info? I'm definitely a Julia Ormond fan.

John Liebling
>>135655366

Well, that's a silly response. I am sure Cassie will be able to distinguish between the two. But wouldn't that be hilarious if she was sitting side by side with Carly and expected a certain story and wow...a totally unexpected one came into full view. Actually, come to think of that, that would be a crazy reaction....

Tom Furze

Being a teacher is an investment in the future. In the middle of it you often don't see what may come, but you keep giving, keep inspiring with everything you have. It may take a decade or more to even see a dividend. You may never get a thank you or a pat on the back, but at the end of the day, when you count up your receipts, you know it was a great place to "spend your money". Because "money" invested in the future and on someone else, is never waisted!

Above Average Dave
>>135634884

I can’t get started on American schools today, but the basic structure hasn’t changed in more than 100 years. That structure was created to educate students who will end up as factory workers or stay-at-home mothers. As for failing the most intelligent (and, increasingly, special needs children), I thunk that, except for best private schools, they teach to the middle and believe the smartest students will basically seek-out more challenging work and resources.

Chris Retzlaff
>>135652655

I was wondering if anyone else would know that, and Forrest Whitikers brother..Terance Howard, Alicia Witt, unbelievable supporting cast. Headly...oh my God, brilliant

Chris Retzlaff

Thanks for crying for 2 hrs with me today, When I watched Coda the first time it was like my first time watching this, screw kleenex.. I needed a beach towel. NIAGARA FALLS

Alan Kobb

Richard Dreyfuss is at his best in this movie, but I think this movie isn't the same without the late, great Glenne Heady as his wife. She was always a great presence on the screen. If you look at her career, while she rarely got top biling, she was consistently in movies where the stars around her gave great and award-winning performances, and I think she was the type of actor who brought that out in other actors. If you want to see her in a very different light, a great comedy choice is Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with her, Steve Martin and Michael Caine (yes, Batman's Alfred).

Stick Figure Studios

What a lovely little film. Shot in my home state of Oregon (in fact, a friend of mine can be seen as a member of the crowd in the final scene). Richard Dreyfus gives a wonderful Oscar-nominated performance and Glenn Headley is also marvelous as his wife. I also appreciate all of the Gershwin music used in it as he is one of my all-time favorite composers. Glad you finally got a chance to see this. Figured you would like it. :-)

Stick Figure Studios

BTW the problem with titles like IMPACT or THE MUSIC ROOM is that they're so nonspecific that they could describe any number of films (and they're the kind of titles that could get easily get reused again at some point; indeed, there is already a film directed by the great Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray called THE MUSIC ROOM). MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS is the kind of title that can only refer to one very particular film and will never get reused. It's like THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. It might not tell you, having not seen the film, what it means, but once you've seen the film, you will never forget it and you will always associate the title with it.

Clay F
>>135680377

I appreciate your sentiment on the part w/Rowena. Two aspects I like about the portion of the movie featuring the interaction between Mr. Holland and Rowena is (1) so well acted and (2) adds realism. Cassie sure was on red alert the entire time that was happening.

Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)

A Corvair was the first car my friends and I redid together. Their engine was in the back. That was a nice first car to put together. We ended up redoing seven cars over all . This reminds me of Dead Poets Society and With Honors. I think it's a 90's thing.

BibbitduBois

This movie is an emotional masterpiece.

Susan Stork
>>135696677

There's also a movie called Music From Another Room with Jude Law. Not a great movie but when she said that it reminded me of that movie.

Susan Stork
>>135680377

I agree it is well acted, everything in this movie is. I forgot her name is Rowena, it reminds me of a Rowena I love from my favorite show, Supernatural. They may be the only two Rowena's I have heard on tv or in a movie

KTVindicare
>>135677483

I also find that the title when read at a glance looks almost like the phrase "Magnum Opus" which basically means "life's creative work" or "most important piece of life's work." Mr. Holland's "Magnum Opus" was all of the children he taught. Again playing on the fact that his whole life he wanted to write music but his actual calling was teaching which might have been even more important.

KTVindicare
>>135698940

The 90's was the peak of the at home movie and movie rental business. Loads of smaller movies like this got made not necessarily to make it big in theatres but to make it big on home video release. Matt Damon talks about it in his Hot Ones interview about how these were the kinds of movies that made him and now they just aren't being made anymore because streaming has pretty much removed the revenue flow that funded them.

Philip Alan

I'm not crying, you're crying.

Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)
>>135698940

I know my little sister worked at Blockbuster for 4 years she used to bring home movies by the dozen. I think I saw over 1,000 horror movies. Plus a million other movies.

Mark Daniels

Mandatory trip to the theater back in the day with my parents - both teachers. Great movie. P.S. - Watching Whiplash on repeat these days. Very different but also very good, too.

Zane From Canada

First time seeing this movie. I heard so much about it. It brought me back to grade school music class. I played the clarinet. I wanted the saxophone, but eventually I grew to like it. My music teacher, Mr. Champion, always told the woodwinds "If something goes wrong, blame it on the reed." Or as you put it, Cassie the little wooden thingy. 😁

Jack Urmson

First time doing a full watch with you. One of my favorite movies. I worked at a movie theater when this was released, and the crew would have tissues to hand out as the customers exited. 🥲🥹

Foggy

it’s funny that you mention feeling like you’d have to watch this in class; my high school choir director had us watch this one year. i haven’t watched it since, i’m excited to watch along with you!

SeanATX

Although I only watched this movie in its entirety for the first time fairly recently, once I did it immediately was one that I responded to, and was hoping for Cassie to react to. The parade scene where they realize Cole was deaf was all I remembered from seeing it previously when my mom was watching it on TV at home, but that scene always stuck with me. Both my parents are teachers, and I also work in education, so I'm quite sympathetic to that career. But there's no doubt that teachers are so important, yet they are largely under-appreciated and deserve more support than they are getting. I hope you encourage Carly to watch this one too, especially given she previously worked as a teacher. And for the record, I have to agree that the title doesn't exactly scream "WATCH ME!!", though in the end it really does fit the meaning of the movie.

Larry Darrell
>>135620871

Apocalypse Now Now? It’s kinda late. How ‘bout Apocalypse Now Later? Not Apocalypse Now Too Late, though. Apocalypse Now Next Week would work, for sure. On the other hand, I could definitely do Smokey and the Bandit Now and Apocalypse Now Real Soon.

Larry Darrell
>>135693464

+1 for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), directed by Frank Oz, the voice and puppeteer of Yoda. Anybody want to go to Oklahoma. ;-) Also…hopefully Cassie never watched The Hustle (2019) on her own time.

Dan M

One of my all time favorite movies has given me one of my all time favorite reactions from you, Cassie. Your post reaction comments were spot on, and so relatable. I, like you and some of your patrons, had a teacher that had a huge impact on my life…Mr. Link, my 9th grade English teacher. I will never forget him, and I owe my passion for writing poetry to him. If it were not for the extra time he took out of his day to teach me different methods and the beauty of words, I may have almost thrown in the towel. Much like Gertrude Lang. Well, like every other time I’ve watched this movie, I’m a mess. And watching you react the way I hoped you would react, made more of a mess of my mess. I’m casting my vote right now. Hands down, this is my winner of Best Movie reaction for next years Poppies.

Dan M
>>135693464

Well said Alan. Ms. Headley was a very underrated actress with a tremendous amount of range. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Cassie react to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels soon 🤞

Dan M
>>135680377

The whole part of the movie with Rowena also demonstrated the strength of Mr. Holland’s character, and the deep love he had for Iris and Cole. Temptations are a part of life. How you deal with them plays a part in determining the direction your life takes, and how clear your conscience is as you look back to the past.

Larry Darrell

Let’s start things off with the song from the film that is Impossible to not move or tap your foot to… “Keep on Runnin’” by The Spencer Davis Group and a teenage Steve Winwood. Cassie… try a Music Bone check with this one ;-) https://youtu.be/H6LVI1gDswg?si=xB4ysrNVxng6v5R6 My love for music was partly inspired by my elementary school Music Teacher, Mr. Ivey. He, like Mr. Holland, spoke about the heart & soul of music, and how you’re not supposed to just listen to it… you’re supposed to feel it. Being exposed to all kinds of different music at such a young age was a blessing. So many songs… so many emotions. I’ve been creating a soundtrack for my life for as long as I can remember. Music has really helped me to see the Beauty in the World. We learned recently, from Steel Magnolias, there’s always a time for laughter, even in the darkest of days… and now I’ll add… the right song or melody can brighten up any dark mood. Music & Laughter… a match made in Heaven… and here on Earth. To End, here’s a Fun little piece by George Gershwin from 1924… one of the greatest American compositions… “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed here by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in 1976. …featuring a very important Clarinet. https://youtu.be/cH2PH0auTUU?si=-TmU_s1-LbsrRJLt Cassie… you may, or may not, remember hearing this in The Great Gatsby (2013). “I’m Gatsby.” https://youtu.be/2zHHkSu1br4?si=D3P3ZEpHB7-hgeBf

Annie519
>>135623112

Me too!! We went to see it because someone we knew was going to have a cameo, she's in the band at the end, you see her twice. Our families grew up with each other, in fact her brother and my brother were best friends. It was so surreal to see someone in a movie that we knew, lol. But I love this film!

Justtired

Another movie with Richard Dreyfus centered around music you might enjoy: The Competition (1980).

Carol Rocha
>>135661506

I WISH more people (hint, hint) would react to Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s such a great movie. I think Cassie would really find it very entertaining! (Crossed fingers)

Rose

A Mr. Holland is a special breed of teacher. My 4th grade & 6th grade teachers were awesome. They were Japanese sisters who taught math; in their classes I always worked hard and got A’s. Their teaching style was so effective - they followed up on every assignment and if you didn’t do your homework you got a big scolding. I was kicked out of class one time and couldn’t return until I completed my homework. My 5th grade math teacher, Mr. Lee, was a real nice guy who loved reading his newspaper in class but wasn’t as proactive. He didn’t invest in his students’ studies. I still remember Mr. Warren Lee, who actually had an uncredited role as a Royal Child in the classic Hollywood musical, The King and I - which I highly recommend for a PiB reaction. However, Ms. Nakamatsu & Ms. Miakyi were the best teachers I ever had. They taught their students to enjoy math and excel in life. Whenever Ms. Miakyi did her power walk sessions, her students would join her instead of hanging out with their friends because she was so passionate about being healthy and staying fit that she encouraged her students to do the same. I also was in band during intermediate school but Mrs. Smith was no Mr. Holland. She was scary. I played the flute for four years and had to sit first row, so I made sure to practice and never play a sour note. Mrs. Smith was like a drill instructor; if you kept messing up she’d chew you up in front of the whole group. My piano teacher though was a very kind and sweet lady who taught me so many amazing classical pieces. I was six when I first took piano lessons and after 9 yrs, Ms. Lidia moved to another state and I never had a piano teacher like her again. Although I hated practicing, I’m grateful that I learned to play musical instruments. The value of music education lasts a lifetime and its impact is enormous. The arts is not considered core subjects but music is universal and transcendent and movies without great music would suck.

Above Average Dave
>>135634884

😁 A woman I once dated more or less gave me that nickname. She said, “Well, for a Dave, you’re above average.” I think that may haven spoken more to the quality of her previous Dave-named paramours than anything else, but I took it. 🤣🤣

Brian Lowery

This is my 20th year in teaching. This year will be my last year in a classroom, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Starting next year, I’ll be teaching online. It saddens me to leave the classroom. It’s been my joy to teach in a classroom for so long. That is not to say that every year has been wonderful, but I’ve learned something new every year that I’ve taught. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, I look at a binder that I’ve cultivated over the years. This binder contains every thank you note, every card, every drawing that students have given me over the last 20 years. It reminds me of why I do this, the students. I’ve taught over 2800 students in my life. So many stand out. I’ve watched many of them go from my middle school classroom to walk the aisle at their graduation years later. I’ve seen a few of them buried all too early for one reason or another. And some, have started to bring their children to my classroom. It’s been a beautiful ride, but it’s time for a new phase of my career. If you could just do me one favor. There is a film that I love called Finding Forester, with Sean Connery. It’s not only a movie about teaching, but about the love of writing and creating. About the impact one person can have on another. Thank you.

Dan M
>>135729940

I agree with your last statement, Rose. But I’ll take it a step further. Life in general would suck without great music…and great movies like Mr Holland’s Opus. It sounds like you had great experiences with many of your teachers. Sadly, the Covid pandemic robbed so many young kids of the chance to develop great relationships with their teachers due to virtual learning. I think its still affecting some student-teacher relationships today. Its sad that so many people look back on their school careers with anger, regret, or disappointment. I’d be lying if I said I enjoyed every minute of everyday that I was in school. I guess if I had my choice I would have preferred to have been somewhere outside than inside a classroom on most days. But I can look back fondly at my school career and think of so many awesome memories and events that helped develop me into who I am today. And many of those memories are of wonderful teachers who had a positive impact on my life.

Dan M
>>135734743

A lot of the comments in this thread have revolved around personal experiences with teachers in our lives. Its nice to get a perspective from a dedicated teacher like yourself. Thank you for being one of those teachers that many of your students will never forget. You probably changed more than one life in your career because of the relationships you made with your students.

Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)

Gosh, Lennon such a musical genius way too many songs my favorite is Watching the wheels, Beautiful Boy was actually written for John son Sean. It was released shortly before his death on the Double Fantasy.

Larry Darrell
>>135634884

When you get a Good Name, hold on to it. From what little I know about the woman, I’d wager You were the one that Got Away. Original comment still stands.

Larry Darrell
>>135737937

“Jealous Guy” is awesome. For another awesome version though, check out Frankie Miller’s from 1977… maybe the most underrated musical artist of the 70s.

Zachary K. (Verified Swiftie)
>>135737937

I love that song! Indeed he was completely underrated. I heard that song for the first time when I was like nine. I am still blown away that the Rolling Stones and Ozzy are creating new music at their ages.

Phillip Bates

This was a beautiful movie and story... and the fact that it's about a teacher is brilliant. You are right, we don't give teachers enough credit in the U.S. I'm glad you liked it and that it moved you.

Tara

WOW… I completely forgot about the Beautiful Boy song and went full on ugly crying. The end also when he walked into the auditorium.

Tara

Cassie- Lean on Me is also a fantastic movie about a real school principal played by Morgan Freeman. It has a similar vibe as this. It should be on a Morgan Freeman poll or school movie poll.

Tara

Shoot… Cassie, I meant to ask if you recognized the principal Mrs. Jacobs from Steel Magnolias. During that movie you mentioned she was a beautiful older woman.

John Liebling

Great Gershwin music set pivotal plot points. Cassie if you'd like to revisit more Gershwin and break up the heavy on Star Trek and Costner films...Check out The academy award winner of 1951, just one year before Singing In the Rain... "An American in Paris" was a great film with Gene Kelly. And please look into Fred Astair movies - his talent will surprise you.

Gábor Árki

First time watching this movie, I don't think I even heard about it, but really liked it. It's the kind of beautiful, emotional, sentimental piece that really resonates with me. Together with the emotional reactions those last scenes got me teary-eyed too. I was a bit sad some of the underrated movies didn't make it to the final four. But at least we are getting some really good variety of movies: an emotional drama, a war movie, an action/scifi, and a comedy.

Rosanne Stewart

The last time I watched this movie it was on VHS in my parents' house. Thank you for the revisit!

Rose
>>135729940

Exactly, Dan! The damages from Covid have ruined a generation of kids that are still suffering. Also it’s a real shame that the arts is declining worldwide - especially in the U.S. - due to budget cuts. I think that the power of music in film is often taken for granted. If you take away music, the whole cinematic experience becomes void. I appreciate how musicians like Van Cliburn, Maksim Mrvica, Ray Chen, Sarah Chang, Hilary Hahn, Lucy The Pianist, Emma Kok, Andrés Segovia, Christopher Parkening, Jakub Józef Orliński, Lea Salonga - have performed timeless music and touch people with their extraordinary musicianship - connecting strangers even for the shortest period of time. Music has no boundaries and no limits and I think it’s one of the greatest inventions of mankind.

Shawn Kildal

Hopefully, Carly will still watch this at some point. Will have to count on Cassie to persuade her to do so.

Biggman83

I watched this movie when It was released in the UK in 1996. It made a huge impact on me as a 13 year old kid. So I cherish this film a lot but don’t watch it very often. So this is a treat!

John Liebling

Cassie, remember Teacher Appreciation Day is coming up soon, May 7...it would be great to watch you react to a true story "Stand and Deliver" I was working only a few miles from the High School depicted in the movie. I know the story well because I taught many gifted students who would graduate from my Junior High, not yet Middle School and enter either Garfield or Roosevelt High. Cassie, you and Carly love true stories this is one such movie which is inspiring. I hope you have the time in between the Star Trek episodes to react to it.

Julie Lazenby

I love this movie!!! I remember when it came out and it was good then, still good now!!!

Rose
>>136154071

Yes, please! Double feature with Carly - “To Sir, with Love” - another true story starring screen legend Sidney Poitier. Both films star incredibly gifted actors. Edward James Olmos’ portrayal of Jaime Escalante garnered an Oscar nom for Best Actor. Also was a local guy who graduated from Montebello High - not too far from Garfield High. Olmos is an underrated actor. I met him at my local chinese restaurant years ago - super polite and friendly guy. My mom couldn’t help herself and went to his table after he finished eating to say how amazing he was in Stand and Deliver and what a fine actor, etc. He and his then wife Lorraine Bracco were gushing at all of the compliments. Stand and Deliver is truly inspiring - I really hope they do a reaction for Teacher Appreciation Day.

David Fuchs

Obviously, all 3 movies. Mr Holland found "No place like home." Dorothy won't need "Over the Rainbow." Jimmy Stewart won't "Shake off the dust."

fire12wife

I agree about the name... they really could have come up with something better! I am a singer and a musician, and I had incredible band and choir directors just like Mr. Holland. My Uncle was a high school band director, and several cousins are now music teachers, too! I come from a long line of musicians on both sides of my family. This was exactly how I grew up! It was some of the best times of my life! Music means as much to me as the air I breathe! I played the clarinet, drums, oboe, sousaphone, saxophone, flute, guitar, and a little piano! This movie is so special, and it makes me miss my Uncle. We lost him last summer due to cancer. All teachers deserve so much more, especially music teachers! It's ironic that UCONN won and got you to watch this movie, because not only am I from CT, but my high school choir director is now the Director of Music at UCONN! He is unbelievably talented as a singer and musician, but also a teacher!! OMG, you made me laugh... the 'wooden thingy' on the mouthpiece of a clarinet is a reed! LOL!