The Sound of Music

Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath and Angela Cartwright.

Director: Robert Wise

Release Date: 1965

Running Time: 2hrs 45 minutes

Genre: Musical

Rating: U

Format: Sky Cinema

Synopsis:

An eccentric woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval Officer widower.

Set in 1930's Austria, Maria (Andrews) is failing miserably at attempting to become a nun, always rushing off into the hills to see the beauty in the world. In an attempt to see if Maria really is willing to become a nun, the convent send her to become a Governess to look after seven mischievous children under the rule of their Navy father Georg Von Trapp. Naturally with her wonderfully contagious bubbly personality, Maria shows great kindness and understanding to the children, becoming a terrific role model for them whilst their father is away. The story is simply nothing short of warm and enchanting.

Starring "Mary Poppins" sensation Julie Andrews as the ever so bubbly Maria, Andrews is absolutely captivating, she's a match made in Heaven for serious and strict Navy Captain Georg Von Trapp performed fantastically by Christopher Plummer. Everyone naturally deals with grief in different ways, Georg Von Trapp chose to push out anything and everything that reminded him of his wife, fun, music. One can only imagine how overwhelming it must be loose a wife/husband and be left with seven children to care for on your own. Georg naturally does what he does best by acting as Captain.

Introducing Liesl, Louisa, Friedrich, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretl. The children are simply charming. Each of them deliver wonderful performances. Smart and mischievous they don't take to Maria straight away, however with her kindness and understanding they soon begin to look up to her like as a mother. Beautifully written, the storyline focuses on love, grief, friendship and the second world war. At 2hrs 45 minutes, the story never has a chance to bore with it's captivating songs and magical moments.

The setting for the story simply adds magic to it, set in Salzburg, Austria. The stunning landscapes are what really make this film so memorable. Austrian traditions that have been excellently added to the storyline. The incredible soundtrack of course is what really pulls the film together with terrific songs such as "Do-Re-Mi" and "So long, farewell", you'll find yourself humming the songs for weeks to come. A beautiful love story that is certain to pull on your heartstrings. Powerful and wonderfully entertaining. A classic!

5/5 stars