Details
Movie Description
The uplifting true story of violin teacher Roberta Guaspari (Streep), a woman who battled insurmountable odds to teach underprivileged children in East Harlem the gift of music. As Roberta struggles to convince a skeptical school board--as well as skeptical parents--that this music will help the children immensely, she must conquer seemingly insurmountable odds to do just that. Eventually, she does. Based on the documentary SMALL WONDERS, MUSIC OF THE HEART proves that Craven is more than just a horror director.
Synopsis
After her husband leaves her, Roberta Guaspari (Streep) struggles to find a job. When she bumps into an old friend (Quinn), he tells her of a high school that could is without a music teacher. She meets with the school's principal (Bassett) and states her desire to teach the children the violin. The principal rejects her, citing lack of funding as one of the many excuses why it could never happen. Persistently, she eventually breaks her down and fights to establish a solid, effective program. Ten years later, the program has spread to other schools and is a smashing success. When funds are once again cut and the program is threatened for real, Roberta uses connections to get the injustice printed in the New York Times. A benefit concert ensues at Carnegie Hall, featuring appearances of such luminaries as Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, and Arnold Steinhardt.
Industry Reviews
"...[Streep is] commanding and touching..." -- 3 out of 5 stars
Kelly
"Yearning for an old-fashioned movie with a well-told, uplifting message? MUSIC OF THE HEART is playing your song..."
USA Today - Susan Wloszczyna (10/29/1999)
"...It's quite moving....MUSIC OF THE HEART has a lot of heart and a lot of music..."
Los Angeles Times - John Anderson (10/29/1999)
"...[This film] sticks to the real story, which has all the emotional wallop that's needed..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (10/29/1999)
|
)
)
)
)
)
All rights reserved.
