a bit long-winded

Rating: 7/10 (18 June 1999)

I can see why this movie was such a hit, but it's a bit difficult for me to sympathize with someone who treats his kid so badly. Also, there are a couple of big errors which any musician should pick up instantly
1) emotion is never a substitute for technique. Saying to a student in a lesson "play the sunset" just doesn't happen
2) "Stravinsky was the music of the Russian Revolution, so what do you think of that?" says Holland to his uptight vice principal. Actually, no. Stravinsky was an emigre from the revolution, whose music was officially disfavored by the Soviet regime. They must have meant Shostakovich. (What the hey; they both begin with 'S')
3) Mr. Holland's long-awaited "American Symphony" was a tad short to be called a symphony, and its musical qualities suggest it would work better as background music for an airline commercial than as a vehicle for the concert hall.
Having said all that, the movie does have its moments. Its montage of news clips shows the passage of time quite effectively, and the growing friendship between Holland and the coach is nicely portrayed. Also Richard Dreyfus conducts quite convincingly; most actors who are called on to perform this arcane skill - Yul Brynner, Cary Grant, and John Cassavetes come to mind - do it wretchedly. Best line: "We think our football team is lacking something, Mr. Holland." "Yeah. Touchdowns."