I'm 68 years old at this writing (10-07-2019). I have been a professional musician and music educator all my professional life. And I'm still going strong after all this time thanks to my own Mr. Holland. His name was J. B. Rounds and he was my first band director. Mr. Rounds inspired me so much. You are reading these words because of him. He was truly my very own Mr. Holland and the debt I owe to Mr. Rounds for my happy life in music is incalculable. It is a debt he would never allow me to repay, however. Here's why: Before he died, he told me unequivocally that his joy at my successes in music were far more than enough payment in full for everything he had taught me. Thank you, Mr. Rounds. Thank you forever and ever. I love you! Paul
One of the greatest movie endings ever. "Mr Holland had a profound influence on my life ... There is not a person in this room whose life you have not touched." Hard not to tear up when watching that speech.
Was in Denny's when I watched this...hell of a thing for a retired Navy man to tear up while eating lunch...What a testimony to all that is still right with the world.
When this film came out, a friend of mine saw it at the cinema during the first days and said to me: "You have to go! It’s so powerful! Sometimes you will laugh, but you will also cry.. a lot! You must go! So I went to see it! For me (and also for my friend) it's one of the best music movies of all time. I remember this final scene very well. Very touching.. you can’t stay emotionless! Totally awesome .. also today! Full of meaning!
"We are your symphony." The first time I saw this, it moved me to my core. This is what teaching is all about. Not just feeding knowledge to a few students, but the creation of productive members of society. To see that shy, awkward girl become a confident and well-spoken governor of the state, and so many others. I am still blown away every time I see this scene.
"we are your sinfonie, we are the notes and the melodies of your opus. And we are the music of your life". What a great way to express the hard work of our teachers. Each one who "touch our life" and makes "better person" because of them. Thaks for sharing❤
I know exactly what you mean. Mine was a father figure to us all. The school wanted to get rid of him, and the entire town banded at a district meeting for 2 hours pleading our case for keeping him, but it didnt work, the next week of classes, he was gone. I think he knew he was leaving and he still told us we would see him. It was rough. I still cant watchi this movies because it reminds me of him. That was 5 years ago, and it is still like a fresh wound
Me, too only for me it was our Choir teacher/director. Each year at the spring concert, former Choir members were invited to come up on stage and sing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" at the end. When Mr. Thomas retired more than 25 yrs ago, all of us all returned one last time to sing, from all across the country. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
I disagree, there are still those teachers who play favorites, tend to cater to the faster learners, never admit their wrong, don't continue educating themselves(complacent), have no enthusiasm, and probably couldn't tie their own shoe outside a structured environment. However, I 100% agree that every "good" teacher does deserve this kind of send off.
Me, my mum and dad loved this movie. Mum, dad yous where my profound influence and yous where my melody and my opus. Thank you for everything you both did for me. So this favourite song is for yous. And everytime I listen to it I get emotional 😢 xx we loved the ending so much. God bless 🙌 🙏
One of my all time favorite movies. It has such a silent, gentle flow but such a powerful message. It doesn't matter how you plan out your life, it will never be the way you envisioned it. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing!
Dang I'm sorry she is gone. I remember seeing a thing about Jay. Sucks to lose actors who are not huge stars, obviously they are in it because they love it.
What a wonderful movie. The ending was perfect. Cry every time I see it. When he sang Beautiful Boy I cried too. Little do we know, but teachers truly do make a difference in our lives. We all have a teacher whom we would love to do this for.
Rachel S.... Yes. Miss Anne Thomason, 10th grade English, '67 - '68. But on Friday 09/04/87, I did indeed get to talk with her and I had that rare opportunity to say, "Thank you." She will forever remain the single-most influential person in my life.
This movie means so much to me. I myself am a pianist, my father was a theater organist at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. We used to watch this movie together on weekends or nights when I couldn't sleep from anxiety or insomnia. He was the one that influenced me and helped me to learn piano, so he was my Mr. Holland. He passed away almost two years ago, and not a day goes by in which I don't think of him, he meant so much to me and I can't imagine where I would be in my life right now without him. He encouraged me to be the best I could be despite all odds, and I miss him so much. Needless to say, I can't watch this scene without crying. A brilliant movie with a brilliant message, and one that holds a special place in my heart.
I must say this part is an emotionally stirring moment that make a trademark of a classic. A tribute to a dedicated music teacher, the unsung hero who touched his students' lives. What a beautiful ending!
Any politician or legislator who thinks that funding for the arts in schools should be cut... should be FORCED to watch this scene... Music, theater, visual arts, dance.... study after study have proven that arts education actually helps students do better in other subjects... This is important...
+Bayougirl78 Indeed. I never considered myself to be artistic, but I do have an appreciation for the arts and their benefits. As for the politicians, it does seem to be quite the conundrum for them when they say, "We're going to cut funding for music, performing, and visual arts to focus on 'core' elements of education" and then six months later they're wondering, "Why are our students performing worse than before?!"
Lois A. Grimm The arts are alive and well here. The school that played “John F Kennedy High” in this wonderful movie - Ulysses S Grant High School in Portland, Oregon - just reopened after a two-year remodel/modernization effort gutted the old 95 year old building and built a state of the art, modern education institution within the old facade. It included a complete makeover of the auditorium and performance art facilities. It’s all part of two construction bonds passed totaling over $1 trillion dollars to upgrade all of Portland’s 9 high schools and make significant improvements on the 70 other middle and elementary schools in the district. Mr. Holland would be proud.
I stumbled across this on DVD at a truck stop and thought what the hell, Richard Dreyfus always seems to do pretty good movies. Loved it. Goes to show how if you help someone, you can be amazed at what they can become
This reminds me of when my kindergarten teacher retired. She taught for 46 years, and ASIDE FROM 6 of them (2 of those were in the hospital giving birth and one was recovering from a plane crash), EVERYONE OF HER PUPILS showed up to her surprise retirement party. Mrs. Santa Cruz, I am sure you have passed by now, but we still remember you.
Probably the best movie of all time. Classics like this will never die. And you know when a movie is great, because young or old, man or woman, the ending just has you in tears.
Let's be honest, the impact of "some" (not all) teachers. The same can be said of "some" coaches, some preachers, "some" politicians, "some" doctors...etc...etc... There are those among us that light the way, while others stumble in darkness.
One of my fave movies, thanks for posting. My fave bit was where the shy little red-haired girl who was the only one in her family without a talent ends up being the state governor...also the running gag where the trumpet player is still draining his spit valve on the girl's shoe next to him, 30 yrs later, LOL
On 10/5/19, I saw this clip on CZcams! Out of curiosity, I watched this magnificent film for the first time ever! This is Richard Dreyfus's best moment! It will be a part of my film collection!
Michael Kamen deserves some credit for composing the music. Yes...there are great teachers who deserve a send-off like this...and others who deserve a swift kick out the door.
If you can read, write, think and feel, then at some point, some teacher, professor or instructor made that happen. More importantly, if you've been able to extend that same sense of wonder and curiosity to anyone in your life , then those same people who taught you, made that impact and made it happen. And in return, you, gave back what was given to you. Dedicated to one Virginia VanCamp, Art Teacher, Spokane Community College, Spokane Washington.
Don B my 8th grade Choir director , he was my superhero, excellent pianist and looked like Neil Sedaka. Mr. Cecil Jones. Yes, he was my first crush. What a great teacher!!
It was the little touches in this movie that gave it so much humanity. When he sees the stoner Statler all grown up he realizes he did make an impact on a kid like that. I remember seeing this scene the first time and remembering who Statler was and going "Wow...nice touch." Music had a huge impact on me growing up and Mr. Holland is a representation of some of the music teachers who helped influence me along the way so naturally I loved this movie very much.
I saw this in theater. Im still crying, 23 years later. Started at 88, 5th grade. So now 30 years later, but 40. This movie did And, still makes me cry
Now Im nearly 40 I can see that he wrote that piece for everyone of his students - it was designed so everyone could have their moment in the sun. Its humble. It was innovative to start with drums...they are always ignored. I now think this is awesome and this film is more important the older you get. P.S John Lennon was rebuiding his relationship with Julian just before he was murdered/shot to death at there mere age of 40. John Lennon knew he had to work on himself.
for those of you who never had the privilege to see this movie, I cannot recommend it highly enough. for teacher wannabes like me, who had hoped but failed to have what it takes to be such a good teacher, the scene posted above, is a real tear jerker, every time I watch it. before I saw this movie many years ago, I did not care for Richard Dreyfus at all, but in this movie, he truly does redeem himself. in short, this movie is Hollywood at its very best
Not too long ago I had a high school music teacher who showed us this movie and we would laugh because he looked a lot like Mr. Holland and we tried our best to give him a similar ovation when he retired that year. I'm getting really nostalgic now :(
Love this movie! Love the music! Love the plot! Having grown up with a Deaf sister and having taught high school for 31 years, I understand and appreciate this movie with its powerful message. When I taught American Sign Language, I used this movie as a part of my "Deaf Culture" curriculum.
One of my favorite films ever. It always makes me think of my high school music instructor, Mr. Stephen J. Platko, who was more talented than a high school teacher should have been. He chose to give his talent to us students, much like depicted in this movie. Rest forever in Peace, Mr. Platko. Your symphony will live on forever. And yes, Dreyfus should have won the Oscar for this performance.
I love this movie because my father was a principal and my mother was a teacher. My grandparents on both sides were teachers. I have past students of my father who come to me and tell me what a profound influence he had on them. It wasn't until my father passed away in 2008 that I realized his influence. It was standing room only with people standing outside of the doors...to me...he was Daddy, but I realized to everyone else...he was a TEACHER!
You know I don't think we appreciate films enough and we should see the emotion that fills these stories. Having watched this film with my mother and being recommended it, this is what films like this are all about. Bringing moments of pure heart and soul. The respect that Mr Holland gets from all his former teachers, students, work colleagues and so on is truly heartfelt all rolled into 1 ❤️
There are a lot of great movies out there, but in my mind, this movie is one of the best ever made. Richard Dreyfuss did wonderful as Mr. Holland and should have gotten the Oscar for it. Glenn Headley was also great, and Jay Thomas was awesome as the coach. Even Olympia Dukakas and William H. Macy were very good too. RIP Glenn and Jay. May God bless them both. 🙏🙏
I went through those financial battles through my high school years in the 90's, two battles that had the music program on the edge, luckily we managed to survive. But, Watching later in years where it wasn't able and the director finally calling it a career just before the school board would have forced him out. A community that rallied around him and to watch him conduct his final performance of an alumni band of over 400 that spanned 45 years. This final scene brings back so many wonderful memories and leaves a message to inspire. Find a way to show that music can and will always survive and bring people together in so many ways. This movie is not just your typical film. It's an inspiration.
This is one of my favourite films of all time and this scene particularly his symphony moves me to tears. He should have won Oscar for this. Lovely and moving film. A masterpiece of music by Michael Kamen, sadly no longer with us. Always have been and always will be a fan #RIPMichaelKamen Also sad to watch knowing that 3 of the main actors no longer with us #RIPGlenneHeadly #RIPJayThomas #RIPOlympiaDukakis
I was in the hospital recovering from surgery do to a serious accident they had a tv with vhs in my room. This was a movie choice I had. Being 31 yrs old, a person who seriously loves music, and knew my life was forever changed I fell apart and cried watching the ending (as if the rest of the movie wasn't profound enough). The one thing that couldn't be taken was the love of music inside me. When music and arts are taken from our schools they take away our imagination and ways to express ourselves. Not everyone is athletic. It teaches more than just how to play notes, draw, or act. It teaches a person that with practice and work you can be your own individual self. How accomplishing small goals can lead to bigger ones thought unobtainable
This scene gets me every time. This film actually copies or follows the story line of Follow Me, Boys!, starring Fred MacMurray. Like Mr. Holland, Lem Siddons wants to be one thing (an attorney) but he ends up volunteering his free time as a scout master to help give the boys in town something useful to do. He devotes thirty years of his life to it. He and his wife adopt one of the boys (a young Kurt Russell) who later becomes an MD and serves with distinction in WWII. At the end when he retires, the entire town shows up and all the men he mentored through the years are there, including this one man who used to be picked on and teased mercilessly, but is now the master of ceremonies and the governor. The governor bestows Lem with an honorary J.D. and they dedicate the new BSA campground to him.
This just ruins me. Don't think you've made a difference? You have. You're important even if you don't think so. There is SOMEONE who thinks you're amazing.
I was blessed to come from a time when music was not the first thing cut when money needed saving. I was taught that music was a language. I appreciate all music and am so thankful for the amazing music teacher I had...
My band Director, Dr. Howard Stephens, is in a similar situation as Mr. Holland was in this movie. Dr. Stephens has been teaching at my high school, Trabuco Hills, for 20+ years and now our Principal is wanting to get rid of him for personality reasons and tomorrow night, we are having a meeting with the school board for the reason. He has changed so many lives just like what Mr. Holland did and the funny thing is, I play clarinet :) Well, so does Dr. Stephens but anyways, Dr. Stephens has done so much for our school and helped so many people. Sadly, our school is full of people who do drugs and the school does nothing about but Dr. Stephens helps us with that, he keeps majority of us away from. I digress, the board meeting will be filled with many Alumni and current students, the media will be there( Abc 4, possibly CNN and supposedly Telemundo...), and my dad, who went there from 95-99 and was in band all four years. We are all trying to help Dr. Stephens and if he isn't able to stay, this (What happened in Mr. Holland's Opus), is something amazing to do for him.
2410jrod thank you :) and well, he is still being replaced sadly but we are having a director from a neighboring school, Laguna Hills High school, and he said that he'll try to keep some of the traditions we have so I suppose it's alright.
Well, he was replaced :/ I really do miss him. He has known me since I was two months old and I he holds a special place in my heart. We have a new director, Mr. Andy Julian. Don't really like him much but, oh well... Aj Bourne
My now retired teacher brother is back at his first school where he was the band director mentoring the new band director. He has said time and again you know it was worth it all when you hear a former student hollering your name when they see you in the mall.
I'm a high school English teacher and remember being inspired by this film when I was a younger. It really shows the impact you can have on students a long time after they've left your class, when they know that you believe in their potential. I love his expression at 8:36, catching himself in the moment and enjoying his work.
Very emotional scene, as one who grew up with a teacher and married a teacher this is such a good movie about the power these power have and the lives they touch. Makes me want to watch the movie again. Richard Dreyfuss did a great acting job here, I think he did anyway
I have owned this movie since it was out on VHS, (now on DVD) and to this day the smirk on Dreyfuss's face as he steps to stage brings tears to my eyes.
Loved that movie. Interestingly enough, I used to use that very song as a measure of any new car stereo's "worth" of being purchased. I would crank it up in a store using that CD. If those horns and strings didn't "sing" to me, that stereo didn't get purchased. Same when I started buying new cars. This very song was used to help decide. :). Thanks for sharing a great memory!
Speaking as someone who grew up playing sports, music is much more important. Its a lifelong skill and you can reach more kids. I know money gets tight, but music should be considered part of the core curriculum. We couldn't get out of 9th grade without taking music and looking back, that was the right thing to do. The cool thing about being a teacher is most of them are remembered and touch many lives. If I found the correct school that this movie was based on, its very small.
This was one of my all-time favorite movies I absolutely love the movie it reminded me of when I was in high school and we had the same teacher for well over 30 years he was an absolutely amazing educator and I miss him to this day
My GF and her daughter say this movie brings back memories of the music director at their HS on the Jersey Shore and I see the coralation, he was just as loved as Mr. Holland when he retired from their school.This was indeed an emotional end to a great film.
I'm glad I bumped into this clip. It gives me reason to speak of a special person publicly for the first time in my life. At the age of 15 I was rebelling against everyone and I announced I was going to quit the band. Miss Alice Harper could play any instrument; strings, reeds or brass. I'll never forget her rendition of the William Tell Overture on trumpet. On her own time she taught Midshipmen in Annapolis. She knew of my emotions and also thought enough of my potential as a coronet player to offer me free lessons if I agreed to remain. As it turned out I failed that year and transferred to a military academy. Two years later, having marching band experience, the Air Force twice tried to recruit me. I often wonder what if??
I find it sad that a person like Mr Holland can't exist. I used to work at a school and every single student looked up to me. As soon as I started to offer them help and advice outside of school, child protection services was called on me. So yeah, the world is screwed up.
I'm 68 years old at this writing (10-07-2019). I have been a professional musician and music educator all my professional life. And I'm still going strong after all this time thanks to my own Mr. Holland. His name was J. B. Rounds and he was my first band director.
Mr. Rounds inspired me so much. You are reading these words because of him. He was truly my very own Mr. Holland and the debt I owe to Mr. Rounds for my happy life in music is incalculable. It is a debt he would never allow me to repay, however. Here's why: Before he died, he told me unequivocally that his joy at my successes in music were far more than enough payment in full for everything he had taught me.
Thank you, Mr. Rounds. Thank you forever and ever. I love you!
Paul
One of the greatest movie endings ever. "Mr Holland had a profound influence on my life ... There is not a person in this room whose life you have not touched." Hard not to tear up when watching that speech.
Was in Denny's when I watched this...hell of a thing for a retired Navy man to tear up while eating lunch...What a testimony to all that is still right with the world.
@@robertlewis8351 thank you for your service... And yes this was a hell of a movie
Every. Single. Time.
gets me every time....I had a teacher like this. I'm a professional singer and entertainer because of him
When this film came out, a friend of mine saw it at the cinema during the first days and said to me: "You have to go! It’s so powerful! Sometimes you will laugh, but you will also cry.. a lot! You must go! So I went to see it!
For me (and also for my friend) it's one of the best music movies of all time. I remember this final scene very well. Very touching.. you can’t stay emotionless! Totally awesome .. also today!
Full of meaning!
"We are your symphony." The first time I saw this, it moved me to my core. This is what teaching is all about. Not just feeding knowledge to a few students, but the creation of productive members of society. To see that shy, awkward girl become a confident and well-spoken governor of the state, and so many others. I am still blown away every time I see this scene.
"we are your sinfonie, we are the notes and the melodies of your opus. And we are the music of your life". What a great way to express the hard work of our teachers. Each one who "touch our life" and makes "better person" because of them. Thaks for sharing❤
When she says 'we are your symphony' I lose it. So good.
Brian Kasnick 2016 and it still brings out the ninja onion cutters when I watch it.
Dem onion cutting ninja's sure do get around....
It's a good thing they are, because his symphony turns out to be only one movement.
Oh yeah.
Dammit now I have tears again gee thank you so much!!!!!
Can't watch this and not cry. Reminds me so much of my own high school band director, who was the greatest teacher I ever had.
Mine was Donald Coakley.
I know exactly what you mean. Mine was a father figure to us all. The school wanted to get rid of him, and the entire town banded at a district meeting for 2 hours pleading our case for keeping him, but it didnt work, the next week of classes, he was gone. I think he knew he was leaving and he still told us we would see him. It was rough. I still cant watchi this movies because it reminds me of him. That was 5 years ago, and it is still like a fresh wound
EnemyAce88 I so understand
Me, too only for me it was our Choir teacher/director. Each year at the spring concert, former Choir members were invited to come up on stage and sing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" at the end. When Mr. Thomas retired more than 25 yrs ago, all of us all returned one last time to sing, from all across the country. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
EnemyAce88 me too
After all these years, I still get emotional over this scene!
Every teacher, regardless of what he/she taught, and is retiring, should get a send off like that.
I disagree, there are still those teachers who play favorites, tend to cater to the faster learners, never admit their wrong, don't continue educating themselves(complacent), have no enthusiasm, and probably couldn't tie their own shoe outside a structured environment. However, I 100% agree that every "good" teacher does deserve this kind of send off.
It depends on the teacher. Some teachers deserve a swift kick in the butt and out the door.
Unless they’re awful shitty teachers
That is ture they should have
"every teacher", yeah right.
Who else cries every. damn. time?
Just got this movie for our dvd collection at work. Watched it several times again all ready. And yes, cried every time. 😂
Every. Freakin' Time. It's one of my go-to "I need a good cry" scenes.
helen smith yep every time....
Every...damn...time.
Every...damn...time.
Thank you to all the teachers in all our lives that made a difference. At 65, I find I wish I had found time to teach at some point. Fantastic movie.
Me, my mum and dad loved this movie. Mum, dad yous where my profound influence and yous where my melody and my opus. Thank you for everything you both did for me. So this favourite song is for yous. And everytime I listen to it I get emotional 😢 xx we loved the ending so much. God bless 🙌 🙏
As an educator, this movie moves me to tears. I pray I can touch lives like this...it’s what teachers should do.
Kelly amen
Dreyfus seriously got ripped off by not winning the Oscar for this!!!!
Well, he already has an Oscar and Nicholas Cage gave a great performance in Leaving Las Vegas.
I figure it was probably a race between Cage and Penn at the time but I really would have liked to see it be between Dreyfuss and Hopkins.
sha11235 Cage and Dreyfuss weren't nominated in the same year EVER!
Cage's winning performance was for 95, this was released in 95. Dreyfuss is among the nominees named at the ceremony.
So what? Since you have one, someone else should get it no matter how great your performance was?
One of my all time favorite movies. It has such a silent, gentle flow but such a powerful message. It doesn't matter how you plan out your life, it will never be the way you envisioned it. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing!
Truest words ever written!
And, farewell, Glenne Headley, 3/15/55-6/8/17. Loved you as Iris Holland. RIP.
RIP Jay Thomas, too
Dang I'm sorry she is gone. I remember seeing a thing about Jay. Sucks to lose actors who are not huge stars, obviously they are in it because they love it.
What a wonderful movie. The ending was perfect. Cry every time I see it. When he sang Beautiful Boy I cried too. Little do we know, but teachers truly do make a difference in our lives. We all have a teacher whom we would love to do this for.
Rachel S....
Yes. Miss Anne Thomason, 10th grade English, '67 - '68.
But on Friday 09/04/87, I did indeed get to talk with her and I had that rare opportunity to say, "Thank you."
She will forever remain the single-most influential person in my life.
Dreyfuss has a catalog of great work, but what he did in this movie moved me. One of the best endings in cinema history.
+Psyco Mantis Have you seen Him in "Lost In Yonkers"?
That's another great movie.
The film is very different from the stage production.
sha11235 there's a stage production??!
Beats Jaws by a mile!
Truly one of the greatest endings to one of the greatest films of all time.
Exactly.
He should have won the Oscar for this performance.
Michael Kamen is a terrible composer?
Jordan Wolfson, this part ALWAYS gets me emotional and tears starts the moment I hear the guitars.
Asinine Hollywood. IMHO
This movie means so much to me. I myself am a pianist, my father was a theater organist at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. We used to watch this movie together on weekends or nights when I couldn't sleep from anxiety or insomnia. He was the one that influenced me and helped me to learn piano, so he was my Mr. Holland. He passed away almost two years ago, and not a day goes by in which I don't think of him, he meant so much to me and I can't imagine where I would be in my life right now without him. He encouraged me to be the best I could be despite all odds, and I miss him so much. Needless to say, I can't watch this scene without crying. A brilliant movie with a brilliant message, and one that holds a special place in my heart.
Xephina The Eleven. Vhyu
I must say this part is an emotionally stirring moment that make a trademark of a classic.
A tribute to a dedicated music teacher, the unsung hero who touched his students' lives.
What a beautiful ending!
Largest Classifieds L l lol.
Any politician or legislator who thinks that funding for the arts in schools should be cut... should be FORCED to watch this scene... Music, theater, visual arts, dance.... study after study have proven that arts education actually helps students do better in other subjects... This is important...
+Bayougirl78 Indeed. I never considered myself to be artistic, but I do have an appreciation for the arts and their benefits. As for the politicians, it does seem to be quite the conundrum for them when they say, "We're going to cut funding for music, performing, and visual arts to focus on 'core' elements of education" and then six months later they're wondering, "Why are our students performing worse than before?!"
What is life without the ability to appreciate and participate in its beauty.
Our art classes and libraries are things of the past and music is on life support. Whenever I watch this movie, I sob and mourn what we've lost.
yeah, why do they never cut athletics?
Lois A. Grimm The arts are alive and well here. The school that played “John F Kennedy High” in this wonderful movie - Ulysses S Grant High School in Portland, Oregon - just reopened after a two-year remodel/modernization effort gutted the old 95 year old building and built a state of the art, modern education institution within the old facade. It included a complete makeover of the auditorium and performance art facilities. It’s all part of two construction bonds passed totaling over $1 trillion dollars to upgrade all of Portland’s 9 high schools and make significant improvements on the 70 other middle and elementary schools in the district. Mr. Holland would be proud.
This is one of those films that, if I stumble upon it on the tube, I have to watch it. A classic in every sense of the word.
RIP to Michael Kamen, I will never forget this score. It was synonymous with Dreyfuss' performance in a way that I can't compare.
Dead Poets and Mr Holland remind me of what it is to be human.
+jspee1965 Both movies should be required viewing for education majors at every university....
Hear Hear!!!
This was such a wonderful movie. I still watch it every couple of years.
I can not watch this with out crying every damn time!! Awe when she says " Mr. Holland, we are your symphony"
I'm done for!!
This never fails to reinvigorate my love for music.
I stumbled across this on DVD at a truck stop and thought what the hell, Richard Dreyfus always seems to do pretty good movies. Loved it. Goes to show how if you help someone, you can be amazed at what they can become
I will never NOT cry during this part
The scene that turned me into a lifeless blubber of tears was when he composed a musical piece for Cole, his deaf son.
This reminds me of when my kindergarten teacher retired. She taught for 46 years, and ASIDE FROM 6 of them (2 of those were in the hospital giving birth and one was recovering from a plane crash), EVERYONE OF HER PUPILS showed up to her surprise retirement party. Mrs. Santa Cruz, I am sure you have passed by now, but we still remember you.
How could you NOT love this movie! Amazing and worth repeated viewings!
You rock Neil and you are so incredibly right about this movie!
Probably the best movie of all time. Classics like this will never die. And you know when a movie is great, because young or old, man or woman, the ending just has you in tears.
One of my favorite movies. And this scene always makes me cry.
One of the greatest tributes to the profound impact of the teachers in this country.
Let's be honest, the impact of "some" (not all) teachers. The same can be said of "some" coaches, some preachers, "some" politicians, "some" doctors...etc...etc... There are those among us that light the way, while others stumble in darkness.
Music is art, keep America's art strong !
One of the BEST movies, ever. ♡
Anyone who watches this film and manages to get through the entire thing without shedding a tear, you must be dead inside. Such an amazing film.
One of my fave movies, thanks for posting. My fave bit was where the shy little red-haired girl who was the only one in her family without a talent ends up being the state governor...also the running gag where the trumpet player is still draining his spit valve on the girl's shoe next to him, 30 yrs later, LOL
This is Richard Dreyfus's greatest performance and best movie!
On 10/5/19, I saw this clip on CZcams! Out of curiosity, I watched this magnificent film for the first time ever! This is Richard Dreyfus's best moment! It will be a part of my film collection!
Couldn't agree more!
Michael Kamen deserves some credit for composing the music. Yes...there are great teachers who deserve a send-off like this...and others who deserve a swift kick out the door.
This Is by far one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life. Richard Dreyfuss is beyond incredible.
If you can read, write, think and feel, then at some point, some teacher, professor or instructor made that happen. More importantly, if you've been able to extend that same sense of wonder and curiosity to anyone in your life , then those same people who taught you, made that impact and made it happen. And in return, you, gave back what was given to you. Dedicated to one Virginia VanCamp, Art Teacher, Spokane Community College, Spokane Washington.
Don B How wonderful.... that was so well said!!
Don B my 8th grade Choir director , he was my superhero, excellent pianist and looked like Neil Sedaka. Mr. Cecil Jones. Yes, he was my first crush. What a great teacher!!
One of my very favorite movies!!!
I watched this nearly 30 years ago between classes at University. Best bunk ever!
It was the little touches in this movie that gave it so much humanity. When he sees the stoner Statler all grown up he realizes he did make an impact on a kid like that. I remember seeing this scene the first time and remembering who Statler was and going "Wow...nice touch."
Music had a huge impact on me growing up and Mr. Holland is a representation of some of the music teachers who helped influence me along the way so naturally I loved this movie very much.
I saw this in theater. Im still crying, 23 years later. Started at 88, 5th grade. So now 30 years later, but 40. This movie did And, still makes me cry
The final is stunning...one of the best...grande...👏
Now Im nearly 40 I can see that he wrote that piece for everyone of his students - it was designed so everyone could have their moment in the sun. Its humble. It was innovative to start with drums...they are always ignored. I now think this is awesome and this film is more important the older you get. P.S John Lennon was rebuiding his relationship with Julian just before he was murdered/shot to death at there mere age of 40. John Lennon knew he had to work on himself.
for those of you who never had the privilege to see this movie, I cannot recommend it highly enough. for teacher wannabes like me, who had hoped but failed to have what it takes to be such a good teacher, the scene posted above, is a real tear jerker, every time I watch it. before I saw this movie many years ago, I did not care for Richard Dreyfus at all, but in this movie, he truly does redeem himself. in short, this movie is Hollywood at its very best
As a former choir member in high school, this brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.
Not too long ago I had a high school music teacher who showed us this movie and we would laugh because he looked a lot like Mr. Holland and we tried our best to give him a similar ovation when he retired that year. I'm getting really nostalgic now :(
Love this movie! Love the music! Love the plot! Having grown up with a Deaf sister and having taught high school for 31 years, I understand and appreciate this movie with its powerful message. When I taught American Sign Language, I used this movie as a part of my "Deaf Culture" curriculum.
One of my favorite films ever. It always makes me think of my high school music instructor, Mr. Stephen J. Platko, who was more talented than a high school teacher should have been. He chose to give his talent to us students, much like depicted in this movie. Rest forever in Peace, Mr. Platko. Your symphony will live on forever.
And yes, Dreyfus should have won the Oscar for this performance.
I love this movie because my father was a principal and my mother was a teacher. My grandparents on both sides were teachers. I have past students of my father who come to me and tell me what a profound influence he had on them. It wasn't until my father passed away in 2008 that I realized his influence. It was standing room only with people standing outside of the doors...to me...he was Daddy, but I realized to everyone else...he was a TEACHER!
Still one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard.
You know I don't think we appreciate films enough and we should see the emotion that fills these stories. Having watched this film with my mother and being recommended it, this is what films like this are all about. Bringing moments of pure heart and soul. The respect that Mr Holland gets from all his former teachers, students, work colleagues and so on is truly heartfelt all rolled into 1 ❤️
When the lady hands Mr. Holland the baton...priceless moment!
If you're a musician you HAVE to see this movie!
Never gets old
One more thing....everytime I see Mr.Holland walk into the auditorium and see all of the people applauding, that is where I lose it every time.😭
There are a lot of great movies out there, but in my mind, this movie is one of the best ever made. Richard Dreyfuss did wonderful as Mr. Holland and should have gotten the Oscar for it. Glenn Headley was also great, and Jay Thomas was awesome as the coach. Even Olympia Dukakas and William H. Macy were very good too.
RIP Glenn and Jay. May God bless them both. 🙏🙏
One of my favorite movies ever. I love it. I wish I could find this on DVD and watch it on a normal basis! My band teacher was awesome like him.
Shelli Giles Maybe try Amazon?
I went through those financial battles through my high school years in the 90's, two battles that had the music program on the edge, luckily we managed to survive. But, Watching later in years where it wasn't able and the director finally calling it a career just before the school board would have forced him out. A community that rallied around him and to watch him conduct his final performance of an alumni band of over 400 that spanned 45 years. This final scene brings back so many wonderful memories and leaves a message to inspire. Find a way to show that music can and will always survive and bring people together in so many ways. This movie is not just your typical film. It's an inspiration.
Love love this ending. Such a great movie
This is one of my favourite films of all time and this scene particularly his symphony moves me to tears. He should have won Oscar for this. Lovely and moving film.
A masterpiece of music by Michael Kamen, sadly no longer with us. Always have been and always will be a fan #RIPMichaelKamen
Also sad to watch knowing that 3 of the main actors no longer with us #RIPGlenneHeadly #RIPJayThomas #RIPOlympiaDukakis
for those of you that don't know sign language, the sign cole makes to his dad at 6:43 means "I love you"...yeah...i'm, i'm not crying, you're crying!
harlanmiller And Cole became a teacher like his dad.
The joy of every teacher is to see each and every student succeed in life.
I was in the hospital recovering from surgery do to a serious accident they had a tv with vhs in my room. This was a movie choice I had. Being 31 yrs old, a person who seriously loves music, and knew my life was forever changed I fell apart and cried watching the ending (as if the rest of the movie wasn't profound enough). The one thing that couldn't be taken was the love of music inside me. When music and arts are taken from our schools they take away our imagination and ways to express ourselves. Not everyone is athletic. It teaches more than just how to play notes, draw, or act. It teaches a person that with practice and work you can be your own individual self. How accomplishing small goals can lead to bigger ones thought unobtainable
This scene gets me every time.
This film actually copies or follows the story line of Follow Me, Boys!, starring Fred MacMurray. Like Mr. Holland, Lem Siddons wants to be one thing (an attorney) but he ends up volunteering his free time as a scout master to help give the boys in town something useful to do. He devotes thirty years of his life to it. He and his wife adopt one of the boys (a young Kurt Russell) who later becomes an MD and serves with distinction in WWII. At the end when he retires, the entire town shows up and all the men he mentored through the years are there, including this one man who used to be picked on and teased mercilessly, but is now the master of ceremonies and the governor. The governor bestows Lem with an honorary J.D. and they dedicate the new BSA campground to him.
An incredible film.
This just ruins me. Don't think you've made a difference? You have. You're important even if you don't think so. There is SOMEONE who thinks you're amazing.
That is truly an inspirational thing to say, man. Cheers.
A summit of cinema best moments. Thumbs up. Tears down.
One of the best movies ever made. If you have not seen it, please don't miss the opportunity.
Misleading..I was a teacher once. Now are glorified babysitters
Every new or retiring teacher should watch this movie. Many of my teachers made a great impact on my life
I was blessed to come from a time when music was not the first thing cut when money needed saving. I was taught that music was a language. I appreciate all music and am so thankful for the amazing music teacher I had...
OMG I loved that movie! Cried first time I saw it and crying now!! Very moving!!!!❤️💜🌹🎼🎷🎺🎻🎹
My band Director, Dr. Howard Stephens, is in a similar situation as Mr. Holland was in this movie. Dr. Stephens has been teaching at my high school, Trabuco Hills, for 20+ years and now our Principal is wanting to get rid of him for personality reasons and tomorrow night, we are having a meeting with the school board for the reason. He has changed so many lives just like what Mr. Holland did and the funny thing is, I play clarinet :) Well, so does Dr. Stephens but anyways, Dr. Stephens has done so much for our school and helped so many people. Sadly, our school is full of people who do drugs and the school does nothing about but Dr. Stephens helps us with that, he keeps majority of us away from. I digress, the board meeting will be filled with many Alumni and current students, the media will be there( Abc 4, possibly CNN and supposedly Telemundo...), and my dad, who went there from 95-99 and was in band all four years. We are all trying to help Dr. Stephens and if he isn't able to stay, this (What happened in Mr. Holland's Opus), is something amazing to do for him.
Sounds like a great teacher I hope it goes well we need more like him
2410jrod thank you :) and well, he is still being replaced sadly but we are having a director from a neighboring school, Laguna Hills High school, and he said that he'll try to keep some of the traditions we have so I suppose it's alright.
update?
Well, he was replaced :/ I really do miss him. He has known me since I was two months old and I he holds a special place in my heart. We have a new director, Mr. Andy Julian. Don't really like him much but, oh well... Aj Bourne
Rosedimitri5 aaaaa
RIP Glen Headly! What a talent, gone way too soon
My now retired teacher brother is back at his first school where he was the band director mentoring the new band director. He has said time and again you know it was worth it all when you hear a former student hollering your name when they see you in the mall.
One of my favorite movies.
I'm a high school English teacher and remember being inspired by this film when I was a younger. It really shows the impact you can have on students a long time after they've left your class, when they know that you believe in their potential. I love his expression at 8:36, catching himself in the moment and enjoying his work.
This is one of the best movie.
Very emotional scene, as one who grew up with a teacher and married a teacher this is such a good movie about the power these power have and the lives they touch. Makes me want to watch the movie again. Richard Dreyfuss did a great acting job here, I think he did anyway
To Mr. Holland: writer of the world's only 3 minute symphony.
... and it was shit
I have owned this movie since it was out on VHS, (now on DVD) and to this day the smirk on Dreyfuss's face as he steps to stage brings tears to my eyes.
Watched in College. Felt stupid, trying to hide my tears from my classmates. Can anybody relate? Awesome movie.
fantastic movie with one of the most epic endings ever fiilmed! :D
Loved that movie. Interestingly enough, I used to use that very song as a measure of any new car stereo's "worth" of being purchased. I would crank it up in a store using that CD. If those horns and strings didn't "sing" to me, that stereo didn't get purchased. Same when I started buying new cars. This very song was used to help decide. :). Thanks for sharing a great memory!
Watched it again-crying again. I gotta stop this. It’s addicting. So wonderful❤️🎼🎹
One of my All-time favorite movies
R.I.P Glenne Headley and Jay Thomas
Saw this movie in my middle school band class. Such a fantastic movie!
This movie is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. This movie was released before I was born but I still appreciate it to this day.
If this does not move you,you have a stone soul........
This movie is over 20 years old. I remember watching it when it was first released. I may not have cried then, but I can't watch it now and not cry.
Speaking as someone who grew up playing sports, music is much more important. Its a lifelong skill and you can reach more kids. I know money gets tight, but music should be considered part of the core curriculum. We couldn't get out of 9th grade without taking music and looking back, that was the right thing to do. The cool thing about being a teacher is most of them are remembered and touch many lives. If I found the correct school that this movie was based on, its very small.
This was one of my all-time favorite movies I absolutely love the movie it reminded me of when I was in high school and we had the same teacher for well over 30 years he was an absolutely amazing educator and I miss him to this day
My GF and her daughter say this movie brings back memories of the music director at their HS on the Jersey Shore and I see the coralation, he was just as loved as Mr. Holland when he retired from their school.This was indeed an emotional end to a great film.
I'm glad I bumped into this clip. It gives me reason to speak of a special person publicly for the first time in my life. At the age of 15 I was rebelling against everyone and I announced I was going to quit the band. Miss Alice Harper could play any instrument; strings, reeds or brass. I'll never forget her rendition of the William Tell Overture on trumpet. On her own time she taught Midshipmen in Annapolis. She knew of my emotions and also thought enough of my potential as a coronet player to offer me free lessons if I agreed to remain. As it turned out I failed that year and transferred to a military academy. Two years later, having marching band experience, the Air Force twice tried to recruit me. I often wonder what if??
I find it sad that a person like Mr Holland can't exist. I used to work at a school and every single student looked up to me. As soon as I started to offer them help and advice outside of school, child protection services was called on me. So yeah, the world is screwed up.