Small Wonders Movie Review 1996

Billed as "the real Mr. Holland's Opus," inspirational documentary shows the determination and strength of a music teacher in East Harlem. Story picks up after the plucky Guaspari-Tzavaras starts her own foundation to fund the violin program she heads when government funding is cut. Unabashed advocate for arts funding in schools, picture tracks the tough teacher and her class from a recital for parents through a stirring performance of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at a Knicks game in Madison Square Garden to a much anticipated concert at Carnegie Hall. Though not a technical masterpiece, film's charismatic subject and uplifting message more than make up. Features performances with the class by string legends Itzsak Perlman, Midori and Isaac Stern.

Distribution

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521-1120, Toll-free: 800-723-4763, URL: http://www.bvhe.com

Available on VHS
Running time 80 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Documentary Films, Music--Instruction, Children, Education, Women

Cinematography

Kramer Morgenthau

Director

Allan Miller

Producer

Susan Kaplan, Walter Scheuer, Four Oaks Foundation, Miramax Films