Music of the Heart

A passionate teacher fights against the odds to bring music into the lives of her students.

Critics found the film conventional but efficiently inspirational, with Meryl Streep's nuanced performance elevating its familiar true-story material.

• Roberta confronts the board of education while defending violin instruction for underprivileged Harlem students.
• The violin program is the central means through which Roberta supports her students' happiness and development.
• Roberta's determination is framed as unexceptional human perseverance despite the scale of the opposition she faces.
• Roberta's relationship with her Harlem students and commitment to their musical growth drive the emotional arc.

• Dangerous Mindsinspirational true-story drama centered on an unconventional teacher and disadvantaged students
• Mr. Holland's Opusbiographical school drama combining institutional resistance, mentorship, and uplifting musical performance
• Freedom Writersemotionally direct teacher-student drama about perseverance against an uncaring educational system
• The Soloistmusic-driven biographical drama featuring an ordinary protagonist pursuing extraordinary artistic and social goals

Director

Wes Craven

Release Date

1999-10-29

Runtime

124 min

Rating

6.7 / 10 (233)

What is Music of the Heart about?

A determined Harlem violin teacher battles an indifferent education system to give disadvantaged children a lasting chance through music.

What is Music of the Heart like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Music of the Heart as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Music of the Heart violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Music of the Heart.

What did critics think of Music of the Heart?

Critics found the film conventional but efficiently inspirational, with Meryl Streep's nuanced performance elevating its familiar true-story material.

Which films are like Music of the Heart?

Films with a similar feel include Dangerous Minds, Mr. Holland's Opus, Freedom Writers, and The Soloist.

How long is Music of the Heart?

Music of the Heart runs 124 minutes.

Where can I watch Music of the Heart?

In United States, Music of the Heart streams on Hoopla.