The Hills are Still Alive with the Sound of Music

As one of the most famous musicals to ever hit the cinema, The Sound of Music brings about the unmistakable feeling of joy that simply warms your soul with the first song. The music, the scenery, the acting, and the unforgettable quotes are what makes this a special movie, worthy of watching at least once a week Since its release in 1965, The Sound of Music has sold over 163 million dollars in box office revenue in the U.S.

The Sound of Music begins in Salzburg, Austria. Absent-minded nun Maria, Julie Andrews, is assigned as a governess due to her lack of concentration on reverence at the Abbey. Upon arriving at her new job, Andrews realizes that this job may be more difficult than she originally thought. As she gets to know the children under her care she learns that music is a magical thing that can bring even a broken country together.

With an opening scene portraying the true beauty of Austria, it’s hard to not feel at peace. The Bavarian Alps, along with the quaint Salzburg countryside is simply breathtaking. Director Robert Wise perfectly represented the innocence of Austria’s scenery before the devastating effects of a World War.
Fresh from her award winning performance as Marry Poppin’s, Julie Andrews lit up the screen with her smile, and lit up the audience with the her voice. Kind, gentle-hearted Andrews is a sharp contrast to the strict, no-nonsense Captain Von Trapp, played by Christopher Plummer. Plummer’s portrayal as an intense ex-military man, dedicated to his family and his country, was pure genius.

Not only is this a fun, family movie, The Sound of Music has an important underlying theme. Unity, both in a family and in a nation, can be strengthened by something as simple as music; even a family as dysfunctional and broken as the Von Trapp family. Captain Von Trapp’s rendition of Edelweiss at the music festival is rich in compassion and care towards the country he has, and always will love.

Occasionally a movie character will say something so iconic, that it can’t help but be remembered. Some examples would be, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” from Gone With the Wind. “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse,” from The Godfather. And, “Of all the gin joints in all the world, she had to walk into mine,” from Casablanca. The Sound of Music is no exception when it comes to witty quotes. One meaningful quote by Andrews’s character is “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” Others are more relaxed and comical, such as Duane Chase’s character Kurt saying “I wonder what grass tastes like,” and “Only grown-up men are scared of women.” Whether it is a thoughtful soliloquy, or a single sentence for comical relief, quotes such as these will be remembered for years to come.

For years The Sound of Music has been a classic, and for years to come it will be revered as one of the most heartwarming musicals of all time. This movie may be old but it has not withered in its age. Much like a Swiss cheese or a French wine, The Sound of Music has only gotten better over time. It has matured with every year, and I presume that it will continue.

Little bit of Background

My name is Henry Sharpe and movies are my game.  I love movies with every fiber of my being, and if I were to ever play a film based trivial pursuit game it would be more intense than the first 30 minutes of Saving Private Ryan.  But thats not the point.  Movies are something that I have always been facinated with, and I love to write about them, discuss them, and especially watch them.  My favorite Movie is without a doubt The Sound of Music.  So when I was assigned this project, I decided to write some type of review on it.  Thats pretty much it.