But this movie unexpectedly gave me a very “real” feeling towards teaching. I felt it so real when Mr. Holland told his good friend, the soccer coach, that the reason he became a teacher was he hope the job could give him some time to do some composing. This reminded me of what I learned in my Inquiries class, the depressing fact that lots of people in this society regarded teaching as a somewhat “fall back” position. Because it was not a “real” job, people taught for several years and moved to other careers. It is even depressing to think that people's views on teaching did not really change a lot since John Adam's time. Today, there are still lots of John Adams, who just wanted to take some “rest” in teaching in a school and then jumped to some more “prestigious” work, like being a lawyer or a doctor.
I felt it so real when Mr. Holland first stepped into his own classroom. I could feel the stretched string in his mind; I could feel his uneasiness, having no idea where to begin, what to say, how to react to that many pairs of eyes staring at him. I could feel his uncertainty, unsure of if he was performing right. That was exactly me in 2007. I felt horrified to stand up there interacting with the college students who were just three years younger than me. I was not sure of what role a teacher should play. I felt so confused constantly, blurring the boundaries between a friend and a teacher. I was just so immature as a teacher.
I felt it so real when Mr. Holland told his student music is not about notes on the page but a love in your gut. His love for music gave him a passion to teach and finally made his kids love music. “Play the sunset. ” When Gertude Lang played out the beautiful melody and Lousi Ross found the beat, they not only developed their love to music, but confidence that would benefit them for a life time. It is their teacher that made their life different. I think that is also why Mr. Holland said when he was about to leave this profession: "It's almost funny. I am being dragged in this gig kicking and screaming, and now it's the only thing I want to do."
The ending was very Hollywood: a whole room of students gathered together, joining him with Mr. Holland. Adult Gertude Lang, then the governor of the state, said with emotions that “We are your symphony. We are your melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.” I know this is the part to make audience shed tears, and I did not cherish my own. I allowed my tears pouring out and I allowed myself to be addicted to such a scene. I was told that teaching is the most rewarding job in this world, but I have yet fully discovered and experienced what is in there. After seeing Mr. Holland and his students, I really want myself to be able to experience that kind of success, a success that is all about making people have a better life.
View more about Mr. Holland's Opus reviews
