Mr. Holland's Opus

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Mr. Holland's Opus

PG

Released Jan 19, 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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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: A-

Sep 7, 2011

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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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Peter Stack

San Francisco Chronicle

Rated: 3/4

Jun 18, 2002

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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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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

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Chris W

Seriously, if you don't rate this movie as a 5 star or rating of 10 there is something seriously wrong with how you see movies. Kids probably 10 and above but definitely for teens thru grandparents thiis is a must see movie. Richard Dreyfus masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

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Jake S

This is an instant classic. Spectacular acting and writing. The last 30 minutes of this movie is unlike almost any other. Such a happy sad ending that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

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John M

As a retired High School Band Director I can tell you this wonderful movie hits the mark in every possible way ! Accurate and heart felt with a terrific score by the late great Michael Kamen. Richard Dreyfuss and Olympia Dukakis are superb with kudos to the rest of the wonderful cast. Bravo ! 🎶✨

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

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Tim M

Not quite a magnum opus, Mr. Holland's Opus nevertheless gets a tremendous titular performance from Richard Dreyfuss and ultimately overcomes its more formulaic storytelling.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/15/24

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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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