Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0065935131700
Format: NTSC
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 124 minutes
Sales Rank: 26294
Theatrical Release Date: October 29, 1999
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
Why, you might ask, would Wes Craven direct a conventional biopic about Roberta Guaspari, a divorced mother of two who created an acclaimed music program in East Harlem's troubled school system? After all, Craven built his career on Freddy Krueger and the Scream trilogy, and you won't find razor-tipped gloves or a single drop of blood in Music of the Heart. All Craven has to do is provide a safe working environment for Meryl Streep (who earned an obligatory Oscar nomination), sublimate his deft directorial style, and surrender to the banalities of Pamela Gray's screenplay, which would've played more effectively on cable TV.
To be fair, Music of the Heart (partially inspired by the 1996 documentary Small Wonders) serves its purpose quite nicely. Streep is flawless in a non-showy role, and the story of Guaspari's celebrated violin training program provides the requisite rush of inner-city inspiration. As a fact-based companion to Mr. Holland's Opus, the film is less effective but similarly engaging; you'd have to be cold-hearted to dismiss it altogether. It's best when focusing on Guaspari's school program and the 10-year struggle to keep it alive; the drama falters when dealing half-heartedly with her tentative relationships, notably with a journalist (Aidan Quinn) who shies from commitment. And Craven? He seems content to direct by the numbers here, leaving inspiration on the screen while forfeiting his own. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Very Inspiring
This is a story of a determined young single mother who as she takes control of her own life, inspires others, including her own children to accomplish amazing things. I love music, and this movie is very inspirational in every way. It shows what a little determination and hard work can accomplish in this life, against all the odds and against a system that is about to crumble. Great family movie. Great acting.
Rating: - An Excellent Violin Story
This is a terrific story for violin lovers and students (or parents of students). It's heart-warming without being sappy, and chronicles a real-life Suzuki method success very well. You will see and hear unlikely kids practising all the same songs your own are working on. The acting is excellent, making it an entertaining movie for adults. We loved it.
Rating: - Wonderful!
This movie is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It is a touching, heartwarming story, and almost everyone can relate to something in the storyline.
Rating: - Play from your soul
Being a music lover, I can feel the roles played n this movie. I love how the mother doesn't give up on her dreams to teach child, not to play music but to love music.I reccomend this movie to any muiscian.
Rating: - An Awesome Story with a Majestic Ending
This movie is definitely worth the price, and it is one where the "good-gy" [in this case Meryl Streep] wins. I would say that it would help if you have a love of music, and for stories without the sensation and hype of some of the techno-adventures Hollywood cranks out. This story speaks to families, perevering in trial, and overcoming. The ending is splendid, and if you do not feel any tears welling up in your eyes, then check your pulse. This is definitely on my "must see often" listing, which is why I bought it. Interestingly, it is based on a true story. If you are a musician or love music, this is for you.
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