Music of the Heart

Miramax 
PG-13

Critics have panned the sappy title and have ridiculed the certainty of a feel good ending we know from the start is coming. What’s more, despite its stellar cast and famed director, this film was nearly lost amidst the hype of blockbusters released in the fall of 1999. Yet, "Music of the Heart" is powerful and deserves an attentive audience. Those of us who work with young people and their families would do well to gather an intergenerational group to see and discuss this film. Beyond the value of discussion itself, such a viewing might inspire us to civic action on behalf of music programs in our own communities.

The slowness of the movie’s first half may be tough-going for young people. Challenge them to look for themes which don’t necessarily drive the main plot--themes that are still important to the story’s development.

While the movie principally looks at music education and the power it can have to transform life, there are other worthy topics to discuss, such as issues related to divorce--the relocation of a family, the parent’s future intimate relationships and the feelings of children and grandparents whose lives are swept in new directions when a marriage ends. Similarly, the scenes of Harlem might be more than mere backdrop. How well do our young people know the stories depicted in the characters of the kids at the school and in the neighborhood? What impressions are struck when suburban or rural families look at these portrayals of inner-city youth? Conversations regarding issues of race, culture and class may spring from this movie.

All other worthy discussion topics aside, this movie needs to be seen and discussed because it invites reflection on the relationship between working hard and making dreams come true. At its heart, the movie asks viewers to consider basic questions concerning what things reinforce self-worth and what things pose challenges to it. Actors and film makers involved in the movie said in interviews after the project was complete that they were involved because of the fundamental message regarding the value of music education for children. In a country where funding for such programs is regularly being cut, we must pay careful attention to this issue. If we do, the feel good movie is itself transformed into a provocative piece aiming to challenge viewers to feel even better by taking action!

Discussion questions

1. Both subtly and explicitly, the movie declares "Only the strong survive." This provides a great entry into discussion about different strengths (of character, body, emotion, power, ego, etc.). How was Jesus strong? Or not strong? How is this true also for those who follow Jesus? (2 Corinthians 12:9 and 1 Corinthians 1:25)
2. Repeatedly, Roberta (Meryl Streep's character) asks the students "Do you like the sound you’re making?" To what other areas in life might that question apply? How can this relate not just to children learning new skills, but to all of us who reflect our faith in daily life, especially in our interactions with one other? What was your reaction to Roberta’s "tough love" approach with the kids?
3. When Justin was shot and Roberta visited Mantengasa in his family home, what was it that he needed to think through in order to move beyond the sadness? When have you spoken words of anger or frustration so that shame or guilt stuck with you, as they did when Mantengasa remembered telling Justin to "drop dead"? What can we learn about moving through those moments and about choosing our words with care?
4. Toward the end of the movie, the music program that’s grown so strong seems to be going under. A shift takes place and people are energized to work together. What was your reaction to the power of community in this movie? Can you think of other instances when people moved beyond their individual concerns and worked together? The high-powered connections are what help this group make it to Carnegie Hall, but what power moves through them before they even get there?
5. Discuss the value of mentors. Invite adults to tell young people stories of people who have mentored them. How does this movie show learning and growth not only in the students, but in parents, teachers and school administrators? Ask young people if they could see how lifelong learning might apply to them.
6. Do some research into your local school district’s funding of music and arts education. If its decreasing, how might you challenge that move? Either way, how should the arts be supported? Share some stories of how the Church has always been a patron of the arts. How might you become more involved in your community’s music and arts programs as a congregation or an individual.

As with anything, feel free to adapt this guide to your own situation. Enjoy the film, enjoy the discussion and enjoy one another. And remember, the first word and the last word is always, “God Loves You.”

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2005 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.