Mr. Holland's Opus

Parents need to know that Mr. Holland's Opus is a 1997 movie in which Richard Dreyfuss plays an inspired and inspiring high school music teacher. The movie should inspire discussion amongst families about the importance of teachers as well as the importance of music education at a time when arts programs are being slashed in schools all over the country. Occasional mild profanity, including "a--hole," both spoken and communicated through ASL. Some cigarette smoking. The film includes a subplot in which Mr. Holland and a high school senior are obviously attracted to each other -- he composes a song in her honor, and she asks him to leave with her on the bus for New York City. Overall, this movie shows how much positive impact a great teacher can have on the lives of individual students, as well as the community at large.