Written by: Ernest Lehman
Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr
Rating: [4.5/5]
In a world where it pays to remain cynical of everything around you, choosing to act in kindness serves as a positive alternative. As shown in The Sound of Music, this simple gesture can make a remarkable difference in the lives of others, especially children. Filled with iconic songs most have heard, this film contains the special sauce in crafting something to warm the heart in the coldest of days.
While in an abbey to become a nun, Maria (Julie Andrews) a free-spirit gets assigned to serving as the governess for the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Under strict military rearing by the captain, Maria seeks to inject more brightness and happiness into the household for the good of everyone.
Watching this feature for the first time as an adult provided me with several moments when listening to the songs in this feature thinking “Oh, this is where that’s from.” It certainly speaks to the quality of it but the staying power it has maintained after so many years following its release. These songs not only contain a beauty making them individually enjoyable to listen to, but also play an integral part of the feature in teaching the lessons Maria wishes to expound upon the children during her time with them.
With these kids living through a very strict lifestyle from their leisure activities all the way down to their bedtime, Maria represents something different in their lives. Not one where every order must be answered for the sake of doing so, but embracing life in a way where it can be appreciated outside of what they get told by their father. It involves wearing the basic drab clothes assigned to them but rather living freely with garments bringing them comfort and they can dare to have some fun in because they divide to live life. Very much something diametrically opposed to what their father believes, which makes the instance where he must take a leave from the house the perfect opportunity for these children to learn to let loose even just a little bit.
When the Captain becomes aware of all of this it certainly causes some tension with his anger about the disruptiveness of his children, but this new perspective provides a fresh new outlook for him. Eventually forming a romance with Maria because of it, their relationship becomes one that helps power the film as the chemistry between the two lead actors runs off the charts. Maria thus becomes the perfect individual to become his wife and care for the children because of the affection they have already grown for her until some trouble brews adding some complication to the matter.
The back and forth between their caretaking style for the kids remains the biggest issue within the feature these characters need to work through until the reality of Nazi Germany abruptly figures into the story changing the tone and stakes of the feature. It initially centered on how to raise these kids and the attitudes they should be allowed to express, but when they face the threat of being captured by the Nazis thus making an escape out of the country necessary, everything certainly shifts but it helps with the unification of the family. In addition, it demonstrates the community around them willing to assist showing the goodness of people even in the most difficult and trying times adding to the overall heartwarming tone of the feature. Having heartwarming and Nazi in the same sentence sure feels weird to write but it all makes sense here because of the manner in which this feature presents them and the plight of the von Trapp family.
Serving in the background are the wonderful hills and architecture of Austria where these characters all dance around and sing. It sets up the cinematography to shine displaying the beautiful landscape behind them appears like a dream most of the time. The iconic titular sequence highlights the natural background so well displaying how it certainly helps Maria maintain her gleeful optimism in even the most trying times. Heading out there with the kids and their matching outfits further allows them to take everything in and ultimately display what makes life so worth living bringing a sense of beauty to the story.
This film belongs to one person and one person only, and that is Julie Andrews. Delivering a showstopping performance as Maria, she hits every single note and brings all of the charm necessary for this movie. What she does with Maria remains her tallest achievement in film, which includes her magnificent work in Mary Poppins. Simply nothing compares because of the majesty she brings to the role and how infectious her kindness and demeanor seep into all of the characters so seamlessly. She outshines everyone and brings a light even in the darker moments
There’s simply no way someone can watch The Sound of Music and not walk away with a big smile on their face. Everything in this feature seeks to warm the heart of anyone watching with the lovely relationships he builds between Maria and the von Trapp family making for such a beautiful journey. We have Julie Andrews in her prime delivering some tremendous work with the beautiful hills of Austria in the background. A divine experience overall that will leave anyone watching singing the songs within it in their head for several weeks because of their effectiveness.
Films with Josh 
