Michael_Elliott Music of the Heart (1999)*** 1/2 (out of 4) Incredibly entertaining and heart-warming story of Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep), a woman who finds herself raising her two sons alone when her husband leaves her for another woman. Although Roberta sees her life falling apart, with a little help she manages to get a job in an inner city school teaching violin. Soon this small class begins to help the people in the community as well as Roberta being able to see the power of music.MUSIC OF THE HEART was pretty much overlooked by fans of Wes Craven when it was released and, to be honest, the fans haven't bothered with it to this day, which is really too bad. I'm ashamed to admit that it took me this long to actually watch the movie because it's certainly one of the best films that Craven ever did and it's obvious just by watching it that the material was very close to his heart. Craven at one time was a teacher so it's clear that he had a passion for this material and it easily comes through his very sentimental direction.Of course, it's certainly doesn't hurt when you've got someone like Meryl Streep delivering one of her grand performances that only she can. It's really amazing watching this actress because she makes it seem so easy yet when you really look at this character it's easy to see the challenged. This character really is all over the place throughout the movie in regards to the emotions that she displays yet Street touches on all of them. It's really amazing to see how much passion she brings to the role and you can't help but see a real violin teacher. The supporting cast features fine performances by all of the children as well as the likes of Angela Bassett, Aidan Quinn and Cloris Leachman.The violin music itself is also extremely good and the technical side of the film is all very good. Craven certainly manages to keep the film moving at a very good pace and there's no question that there's a lot of heart in the picture and this comes through whenever a dramatic moment comes up. I'm certainly not going to spoil some of the twists that happen but they're all handled in a very tender way proving that the director was certainly able to deliver more than just horror. MUSIC OF THE HEART features a terrific performance from Streep and fine direction by Craven and it deserves to be seen.

Andreapworth First of all, Streep practiced the violin for 6 hours a day in preparation for this role. And of course, it shows. I've studied piano for 10 years and so much of the music and musical places featured in this film were so fun to watch. The final scene in Carnegie Hall was super, plus a couple of THE violinists. Wow.All in all, I just love this movie. All of the cast was good and the scope of the material covered was also fleshed out. You don't need to play the violin to appreciate it, but it does help if you SOMETHING about music and the drive to succeed in the field.Just watch it, rent it, and learn something about music and the drive the fuels people to succeed at it. And learn something about the notable violists that appear in the film. They are considered some of the best. And if you listen to their recordings, you can see why!

mark.waltz "You want to play the violin, one of the hardest instruments to master? Well, playing the violin costs, and right here is where you start paying, in practice and in sweat!" Paraphrasing Debbie Allen's dance teacher from "Fame" seems so appropriate in describing Meryl Streep in "Music From the Heart". Her performance as the real-life violin teacher, Roberta Guaspari, is so filled with the love of music that Debbie Allen's Lydia had for dance in the movie and TV series of "Fame". Here, the pupils are not students at New York's school of the performing arts, but second graders in East Harlem. At first, they seem to have more important things to do than be disciplined to play an instrument. But as they gain the discipline and love for what they are being taught, their lives change, their parents change, and so does teacher Streep. Even more changing is the East Harlem neighborhood where Streep teaches and lives, and I should know---I live right down the street from where Guaspari lived (at least in this movie).Supporting Streep magnificently is the wonderful Angela Bassett as the good hearted principal who senses Streep's devotion is needed to help give hope to the children who might otherwise be lost in the tough neighborhood they live in. The dozens of children who supply the music also provide the heart, and it is a joy to watch the lights in their eyes go on as they realize the impact of what they are doing.In smaller roles, Aidan Quinn and Cloris Leachman are very good. Leachman has some nice quick moments as Streep's brittle but loving mother. I really wanted to see more of Gloria Estefan as another teacher who befriends Streep while the other teachers spurn her. A scene which stood out in my mind as being emotionally satisfying is the black mother who earlier had pulled her son out of the class, only to ask Streep to take him back when her cynical eyes open to the magic of what Streep has accomplished. The stony glare and coldness of the scared woman magically disappears once she realizes the impact the violin has had on her son. That's what music is all about."They Shall Have Music", a 1939 movie with a "Dead End" kids theme is very similar in its narrative about how music can change lives. It featured Javier Havitz, who is mentioned in a tender scene here in "Music of the Heart" featuring the legendary Isaac Stern. What is amazing for this incredible movie is the direction by none other than horror movie icon Wes Craven.The message of this film is that the only thing every person in this crazy world shares is music, and no matter what language we speak, music will never disappear, and is the one thing that unites us beyond all other barriers.

the-gossip-king Meryl Streep was excellent as usual and the true story in which this is based on is truly heartfelt. It tells the story of a woman called Roberta (streep) who needs a job and finds one as a violin teacher. Very soon she inspires all her students to play and enjoy themselves. All support cast including the children were very good. The music pieces were also very good and when the movie was over I was left with a smile on my face long afterwards. I truly did enjoy this movie and would recommend it to anyone. All the themes are perfect so an entire family can easily enjoy it. I suggest to anyone who is reading this review. GO OUT AND SEE THIS MOVIE! You will not be disappointed!