Ah, The Sound of Music, what can one even say about this cinematic classic that hasn’t been said already? Well, for starters, it was a monumental film for musicals all around the world. You see, back in the day, musicals were primarily confined to the stage, with live music and orchestra accompanying it as the performers danced and sang. However, everything changed with the introduction of cinema, and the musical film was born.
From there, it was a bit of a bumpy ride, with some musicals hitting all the right notes and others falling flat. But The Sound of Music raised the bar for the musical genre more so than any other film.
How to Download The Sound of Music
You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you like musicals, check out also West Side Story, Mamma Mia!, and La La Land.
The story is quite simple but extremely effective. It’s a heartwarming tale of love, family, and bravery set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Austria. Julie Andrews stars as Maria, a free-spirited nun who becomes a governess for the seven Von Trapp children.
Their stern father, Mr. Von Trapp, has forbidden them from singing or having any fun at all. But, as you might expect, Maria’s infectious spirit and love of music begin to melt Von Trapp’s icy exterior, leading to some truly unforgettable moments of musical perfection.
Direction is more important than ever before when it comes to directing musicals, and Robert Wise brings a masterful touch to every sequence he directs here.
He seamlessly weaves the musical numbers into the narrative in a way that feels organic and never forced. Unlike some musicals where the songs can feel like a distraction from the story, in The Sound of Music, the songs serve to further the plot and deepen the characters.
The film also has an electric pace, almost flying by within a moment while you’re having fun and enjoying yourself. It’s not rushed by any means though, it’s just so well-paced that you don’t notice the time speeding by.
I love the way the characters in this film interact with one another, always with such kindness that it is somewhat infectious in itself. The screenplay and writing focus on these character interactions quite well, with a perfect balance of humor, heart, and music.
There is so much memorable dialogue here, each line is snappy and performed to perfection. However, that wouldn’t be possible without the phenomenal performances of the cast of this film. Julie Andrews shines as the plucky Maria in her debut feature film.
She brings a sense of hope and fun into the lives of these children. Then we have Christopher Plummer who is perfectly cast as the stern but ultimately loveable Captain Von Trapp. Though I hated that they tried to add a romantic subplot in between Maria and Von Trapp. Of course, the child actors are all superb, bringing a sense of whimsy and fun to every scene.
The Visuals
The film’s cinematographer, Ted D. McCord, expertly captures the beauty of Austria’s countryside, with sweeping shots that make the audience feel as though they are right there in the Alps, like the opening shot of the film that showcases the mountainous region.
The scene in which the children perform “So Long, Farewell” is a great example of the film’s stunning camera work and lighting, with the use of a tracking shot that follows the children as they exit the room, creating a seamless transition to the next scene.
The Music in The Sound of Music
Of course, we can’t talk about The Sound of Music without actually talking about the music itself. Composed by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the songs perfectly capture the emotions of the characters and the themes of the story, with catchy melodies and clever lyrics.
“My Favorite Things” is a delightful tune that showcases Maria’s positive outlook on life, while “Edelweiss” is a moving ballad that serves as a symbol of Austria’s beauty and culture. The songs are part of the overall narrative, and they serve a purpose even more than regular dialogue in this film.
Verdict
The sound of music is a timeless classic. This is one of those films that do not look old even if you go back and watch them right now, despite being a 1965 release.
This film continues to enchant audiences of all ages, and it’s easy to see why. It is a perfect blend of music and moments and showcases the power of a great musical.
Great music can bring stories to life with such finesse and charm that it simply transports us into an entirely different realm of reality where all your problems can be vanquished with a little singsong. It’s an absolute must-see for any fan of musicals or classic cinema, and I highly recommend it.
