Rent The Sound of Music (1965)

Much Beloved & Actually Rather Good - The Sound of Music review by GI

There's little doubt this is a highly popular musical and loosely based on a true story, with some very well known songs and a story that is a delightful romance in a time that requires a battle with oppression it really couldn't go wrong from release to this very day. In a rather funny aside star Christopher Plummer hates the film to this day and really despised the whole experience often referring to it in interviews as The Sound of Mucus. He plays the strict Austrian naval Captain Von Trapp, a wealthy widow with seven children. When the young Maria (Julie Andrews) is hired from the local convent to be the new governess she transforms the family from a morose disciplined one to a happy and bright one especially as they can all sing in harmony. Soon they become locally established as a singing troupe and Maria and the Captain start to have feelings for each other. But all this is threatened by the political take over by the Nazis who the Captain despises. A rather lovely family film and an important musical. It's all starry eyed and dreamy but it does warm the heart somewhat and the children aren't as annoying as they often can be in such films.

Adieu, Adieu, to yoo & yoo & yoo! - The Sound of Music review by AM

Obviously this is a musical classic, and one of your mum's favourite films, if your mum is anything like mine. And I bet she is, you little tinkers!

But it's not my bag tbh. I didn't mind it, and it's an exceptionally warm film, both the colours, the songs and the performances. But I found it a little dull myself. Still - been meaning to see it for years and glad I did.

IF YOU LIKE MUSICALS YOU'LL LIKE IT, BOSS! Song Bananas! :)

Nuns v Nazis. - The Sound of Music review by Steve

Surely no other film has met with such polarity between critical scorn and public acclaim. The reviewers saw a sentimental love story incompatible with its Nazi context. But the audience doted on the astonishing musical numbers and wholesome Julie Andrews as the plucky Austrian nun who becomes the governess and then stepmother of seven adorable kids... as WWII closes in.

It became the biggest box office hit ever. The soundtrack sales were a phenomenon. And for most of its long running times this is a sweet romance about an innocent but feisty novice who teaches the unhappy children of an aristocratic widower (Christopher Plummer) how to sing, and be joyful. And what songs- with the title number, Edelweiss, Climb Ev'ry Mountain...

...My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Me... and many more. All of them schmaltzy, or gloriously life affirming, depending on who you are. It does all the epic things very well, with the truly sensational locations in Salzburg and the Austrian Alps, including the magnificent historic architecture. And Robert Wise's inspired use of the ultra-widescreen dimensions, plus the lovely colour. He deserved his Oscar for best director (and film).

He tells the long story with skill, at least until the final 30 minutes when the Nazis threaten the von Trapp family and we hear the famous songs reprised, to diminishing effect. And the true story begins to feel improbable. And the onslaught of the cutes starts to aggravate... But why fight it? Many films are appreciated. This one is truly loved.