Mr. Holland's Opus

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Mr. Holland's Opus

PG

1996

2h 22m

Drama

Music

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Popcornmeter

75%

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28 Reviews

84%

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50,000+ Ratings

Composer Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) believes that he'll eventually write a transcendent piece of music, but in the meantime he's taken a job at an Oregon high school. Though at first the job frustrates him, and his unconventional methods often draw the ire of the straight-laced vice principal (W.H. Macy), Mr. Holland grows to love his students as the temporary position stretches into a decades-long career -- and in the end, they reveal just how much they love him back.

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Critics Consensus

A feel-good story brought to life by a terrific ensemble cast, Mr. Holland's Opus plucks the heartstrings without shame -- and with undeniable skill.

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Emanuel Levy

Variety

This idealized tribute to a charismatic teacher who devotes himself to music appreciation has the same old-fashioned texture and sticky sentimentality as Goodbye Mr. Chips (of 1939), but Dreyfuss gives an effective, surprisingly restrained performance

Rated: B-

Jan 29, 2007

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Mike Clark

USA Today

An overwrought Disney weeper.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Don Shanahan

Film Obsessive

Every teacher in America dreams of a sunset moment like that of Glenn Holland. So few ever get or earn it.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 22, 2024

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Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

Though Patrick Sheane Duncan's screenplay goes in various directions and never develops a cohesive narrative, Herek keeps the story rolling along.

May 30, 2018

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Rob Thomas

Capital Times (Madison, WI)

Holland may have been a failed composer, but he's a master at playing the heartstrings.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 21, 2006

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

A touching, uplifting and life-affirming winner that makes it hard to avoid leaving the theater teary-eyed, with a lump in your throat.

Rated: 9/10

Jan 23, 2006

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Michael F

This movie reminded me just how wonderful an actor Richard Dreyfuss is. Mr. Holland's Opus is one of his best.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/15/25

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Lanfranco C

In little many teachers passed trough this kind of experience

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/25/25

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Nick E

The film can be overly thematic, but Mr. Hollands Opus has heart.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 22 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $82,600,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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Larry K

What a great movie! Dreyfuss is awesome.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/25

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RICHARD S

We just re-watched this 30-year old movie and realized how timeless is this story. A truly wonderful film, excellent writing and production values, and a very young Richard Dreyfuss (great performance). The tear-jerking ending is a little contrived, but still quite satisfying. Even if you saw it originally, try it again -- you're older, now, and it has new meaning for an older you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/25

Full Review

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Stephen Herek

Director

Richard Dreyfuss

Glenn Holland

Glenne Headly

Iris Holland

Jay Thomas

Bill Meister

Olympia Dukakis

Principal Helen Jacobs

William H. Macy

Vice Principal Gene Wolters

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Synopsis

Composer Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) believes that he'll eventually write a transcendent piece of music, but in the meantime he's taken a job at an Oregon high school. Though at first the job frustrates him, and his unconventional methods often draw the ire of the straight-laced vice principal (W.H. Macy), Mr. Holland grows to love his students as the temporary position stretches into a decades-long career -- and in the end, they reveal just how much they love him back.

Director: Stephen Herek
Producer: Ted Field, Michael Nolin, Robert W. Cort
Screenwriter: Patrick Sheane Duncan
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Hollywood Pictures, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Interscope Communications
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 19, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $82.6M
Runtime: 2h 22m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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