The Sound of Music (1965)

HaNguyen
April 28, 2025

The Sound of Music (1965) is a classic musical film directed by Robert Wise, based on the Broadway musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Starring Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp, the movie is set in Austria in the late 1930s and follows the heartwarming story of a young woman who transforms the lives of a strict naval officer and his seven children through the power of music and love.

“The Sound of Music”

Maria, a free-spirited postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, is sent to the von Trapp household as a governess. She discovers that Captain von Trapp, a widowed father, runs his home like a military camp. The children—Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl—are initially mischievous but warm up to Maria as she introduces them to singing and play. Her kindness and joy gradually bring warmth back into the family.

As Maria and the Captain fall in love, he breaks off his engagement to the wealthy Baroness Schraeder. Maria and the Captain marry, but their happiness is threatened by the Nazi annexation of Austria. When the Nazis order the Captain to serve in their navy, he refuses, and the family devises a daring escape plan. Disguised as performers at a music festival, they flee across the Alps to Switzerland, leaving behind their beloved homeland for freedom.

With unforgettable songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” The Sound of Music became one of the most beloved films in cinema history. Its themes of love, resilience, and the power of music continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

The film follows Maria, played by Julie Andrews, a spirited novice nun sent to serve as a governess for the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp, portrayed by Christopher Plummer. Initially clashing with the strict widower, Maria transforms the household through her warmth and music, teaching the children to sing and rediscovering joy. As romance blossoms between Maria and the Captain, the family faces the growing threat of Nazi annexation in 1938, leading to a tense yet uplifting escape over the Alps. Iconic songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “Edelweiss” weave through the narrative, performed with charm by the von Trapp children and Andrews’ radiant voice.

Shot in breathtaking Austrian locations, the film’s 2-hour-54-minute runtime blends romance, family drama, and historical tension. While rooted in the von Trapp family’s real story, it takes liberties—e.g., the family’s escape was less dramatic, and Maria was not a nun. These changes amplify the film’s emotional resonance, prioritizing heart over strict accuracy.

Boasting a stellar cast, including Eleanor Parker as the elegant Baroness and Richard Haydn as the jovial Max, the film’s chemistry is undeniable. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and grossed $286 million worldwide (about $2.5 billion in 2025 dollars), making it one of the highest-grossing films of its era. Its 83% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects widespread acclaim, though some critics noted its sentimentality. The soundtrack, featuring Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless score, became a cultural phenomenon, selling millions.

“The Sound of Music” continues to captivate, frequently airing on networks like ABC and available on streaming platforms like Disney+ (per recent web data). Its themes of love, courage, and resistance against oppression resonate across generations. More than a musical, it is a celebration of hope and family, securing its place as a cinematic gem that sings on.

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The Sound of Music (1965)

HaNguyen

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