The Sound of Music (1965)

What is The Sound of Music Movie About?

Based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical, The Sound of Music is a lyrical flick that follows a free-spirited nun, Maria (Julie Andrews), that’s been sent over from the abbey by Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) to govern seven children.

The kids are all part of the von Trapp family, and live with their widowed dad, Captain George von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), who is stern to say the least and has a militant way of reinforcing rules. With Mary’s help, the family warms up and finds its voice again after a long time. 

It’s set during the rise of pre-war Austria, so tensions definitely heat up, especially with Captain George von Trapp. This absolutely timeless classic brings love, courage, freedom, growth, and catchy tunes! 

Our Honest The Sound of Music Review

A warm hug, that’s what The Sound of Music feels like. It’s a family-fave that will fill anyone, of any age, with joy and comfort. 

The chemistry between Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer? Utterly magnetic. You practically see the frost melting off Captain von Trapp as Maria waltzes (and sings, of course) her way into his heart, and all those who watch it.

 

And let’s be real: the songs are just impossible to forget (not that we want to forget them!). ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and ‘My Favourite Things’ are the tunes that stick forever, and always boost our serotonin. 

 

Visually, it simply takes your breath away. The rolling alpine hills, lush greenery, and pristine blue skies literally transport you to the blissful land of Austria.

What Do the Critics Think of The Sound of Music?

Everyone sings the praises of The Sound of Music. Let’s see what the top critics have said about it: 

• “As for Andrews, she is just a joy, conveying enough doubt beneath that brisk, clean exterior to stop her character becoming a prig; her comic timing and the way in which she convinces in her relationships with the children are so understated they can be underrated” – The Telegraph
  
• “The Robert Wise production is a warmly pulsating, captivating drama set to the most imaginative use of the lilting R-H tunes, magnificently mounted and with a brilliant cast headed by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer which must strike a respondent chord at the box office” – Variety 
  
• “Robert Wise has transformed the delightful Rodgers and Hammerstein musical stage production of “The Sound of Music” into a magical film in which Julie Andrews gives an endearing performance in the role of Maria, the governess” – New York Daily News
  
• “Robert Wise’s adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical still has a little soul in its bones, with its reactionary nature tempered by Ernest Lehman’s supple screenplay, and its elephantine running-time eased by a set of songs that lodge in your system like hookworms” – The Guardian

What Awards and Nominations Did The Sound of Music Receive?

The Sound of Music was one of the highest-grossing flicks of its time, so it’s no wonder that it racked up an impressive shelf of five Academy Awards and got nominated left, right, and center! 

Let’s have a look at some of the awards and nominations this family-fave musical flick earned: 

• Best Picture Winner for the Academy Awards
  
• Best Director (Robert Wise) Winner for the Academy Awards 
  
• Best Actress (Julie Andrews) Winner — Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for the Golden Globe Awards
  
• Best Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical Winner for the Golden Globe Awards
  
• Best Director (Robert Wise) Nominee for the Golden Globe Awards
  

Cast & Crew of The Sound of Music

The crew and cast of The Sound of Music film is pretty legendary, with a mastermind like Robert Wise behind it, and talent like Julie Andrews taking centerstage. Let’s get to know the dream team who brought The Sound of Music to the big screen…

Fun Facts About The Sound of Music

There isn’t just fun on-screen but also fun behind-the-scenes when it comes to The Sound of Music. Here are some brilliant facts to pull out on your next movie night: 

• The famous shot of Julie Andrews frolicking in the mountains was actually a nightmare to film because of how windy it was up there.

• In real life, the actual von Trapp family didn’t hike the Swiss mountains; they took a train to Italy. 

• Some of the nuns in the movie were the real deal. They were actual practicing nuns from Nonberg Abbey. 
  
• In real life, the von Trapp family had even more kids — 10 to be exact!
  
• Apparently, the famous ‘Do-Re-Mi’ scene took two months to film because the crew was waiting for the perfect weather. 

Themes of The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music might be a lighthearted, sweet film for all the family, but it’s got some pretty sophisticated themes that make it much more meaningful. 

 

It’s all about family, love, and courage. The joy and importance of belonging and creating connections is the heart and soul of this movie, and it’s taught through the kindness of Maria. We also get a glimpse of self-discovery as we see Maria grow as a person, even if the path ahead is an unexpected one. 

 

With its strong opposition to Nazism, we also see themes of resistance, integrity, and moral bravery. And let’s not forget to mention the prominence of liberation, which is sonically portrayed through the beautiful music sung throughout.

 

How Does The Sound of Music Compare to Robert Wise’s Other Work?

The Sound of Music is by far one of Robert Wise’s most iconic flicks. Supercharged with feel-good melodies, emotion, wit, and romance, it’s a pretty unique one that doesn’t really compare to any of his other stuff.

Films like West Side Story (1961) are loaded with grit and realism, whereas The Sound of Music is more warm and lighthearted. Mind you, both movies do share one thing in common: political standpoints.

Emotional rhythm is utterly undeniable in all of Wise’s work. Sharp pacing and a cocktail of drama and melody are hallmarks that you’ll find in practically every Robert Wise masterpiece. 

Iconic Scenes from The Sound of Music

With rolling hills, baby blue skies, and grand villas, the scenes of The Sound of Music are utterly breathtaking. Here are some of the most iconic shots that we absolutely adore: 

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

Want to dive even deeper into the story behind The Sound of Music? Here’s a round-up of the most wonderful trivia facts that will give you an even deeper appreciation for this classic musical flick:

• The scene when Christopher Plummer calls Julie Andrews ‘Captain’ wasn’t scripted and was actually an accident. Despite this, Robert Wise liked it and stuck with it.
  
• Christopher Plummer wasn’t a fan of making The Sound of Music, and even nicknamed it ‘The Sound of Mucus’ out of hatred.
  
• In a scene when Julie Andrews’ character, Maria, is running through the courtyard, she trips by accident. This wasn’t scripted, but added charm to the film, so Robert Wise left it in.
  
• Audry Hepburn was nearly casted for the lead role as Maria.
  
• When searching for the film, William Wyler met with the real-life Maria von Trapp and the Mayor of Salzburg at the time.

Best Quotes from The Sound of Music

Here’s our top five favourite quotes from this iconic rom-com flick:

So many fabulous one-liners come out of The Sound of Music. Here are our top five faves:

• “The hills are alive with the sound of music” – Maria singing and frolicking through the mountaintop in the opening scene.

• “I have confidence in sunshine, I have confidence in rain. I have confidence that spring will come again!” – Maria singing as she makes her way to the von Trapp villa for the first time.

• “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window” – Maria, trying to restore faith and hope during a tough time.

• “The first rule in this house is discipline” – Captain von Trapp setting his super strict, militant house rules.
  
• “You brought music back into the house. I had forgotten.” – Captain von Trapp thanking Maria and acknowledging how she’s helped the family.
  

What People Are Asking About The Sound of Music

Movie Trailers