The Sound of Music (1965)
If you want to avoid how foolish I felt after watching The Sound of Music, get off your computer and just go watch it right now. This musical is a delight, a wonderful film so beloved its influence is everywhere. It's full of "oh! So that's where that came from!" moments.
In Austria, 1938, Maria (Julie Andrews, magnificent) is on her way to becoming a nun but doesn't fit in with her peers. She’s always humming a tune and constantly finds her spirit whisked away by music. To help her make her decision, she is sent to help care for the seven children of Captain von Trapp (a young Christopher Plummer). As the family bonds, everything seems blissful, until neighboring Nazi Germany begins mobilizing its troops...
My favorite thing about A Sounds of Music isn’t the songs, even though they are memorable, catchy, well written and delightful. It isn’t the actors, even though Julie Andrews is amazing in every sene. It wasn’t the love stories, even though they warmed my heart. What I like best is that even though this is a charming film that uplifts you even if you are in a sour mood, it also contains just a tiny bit of tension and a smidge of fear. Even though I felt like I didn’t have a care in the world during the musical numbers, it was never so sweet or gentle that I found it sappy. That looming shadow in the distance keeps you wondering. Will the family you've fallen in love with be alright in the end? It's a brilliant move because as the uncertainty grows, it perfectly balances the lighter moments and prevents the film from becoming saccharine or forgettable. The Sound of Music has earned a permanent spot on my list of “best musicals I’ve ever seen”.
I instantly fell in love with this film because it does feature some extraordinary songs and, as a great bonus I felt that the characters were compelling and the story strong as well.
We’ve covered Julie Andrews. Now let's shine a spotlight on the other cast members. Everyone involved in this production do an exceptional job. Even the child actors are terrific. After coming out of having just seen “The Land Before Time II” which had some amateur musical numbers performed by children and young actors that were decent at doing animated voices, but not particularly good at singing, I had almost forgotten that there exist talented kids with terrific sets of pipes. The production is first-rate, the characters compelling and story engaging. You don't feel the 174-minute running-time at all. It lifted my spirits and I find it hard to imagine anyone, except the most bitter of Ebenezer Scrooges that hates musicals on principal not thoroughly enjoying what is righteously classified as a classic.
This film has melted the ice around my heart and rekindled my appetite for musicals. It's unapologetically sweet, the kind of picture that introduces itself to you by handing you a bouquet. I knew of it but could not have guessed how much I would come to adore the film. The songs, the story, the dance numbers too. It contains a puppet show so darling it'll make your every worry and fear vanish. I can't wait to see The Sound of Music again. (On Blu-ray, March 18, 2015)