60 years after its initial release, The Sound of Music remains a charming comfort watch that’s as relevant as ever. Debuting in theaters in 1965, the beloved musical follows Maria (Julie Andrews) as she falls in love with curmudgeonly naval Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). This leads her to put aside her dream of becoming a nun. Perhaps even more than the Captain, though, Maria falls in love with his seven children and reignites a love of music and fun in them that died with their late mother. The Sound of Music received mixed reviews when it was released, with some critics finding it corny and too sweet. However, time has been a lot kinder to the movie; it won five Academy Awards, and, for several years, it was the highest-grossing film of all time. As is the case with many older movies, nostalgia certainly plays a role in how The Sound of Music is viewed now. Growing up, both the movie and soundtrack were in constant rotation at my house, and even as an adult, I watch the film at least once a year. Every time, I’m impressed by just how well it holds up. With The Sound of Music currently in theaters for its 60th anniversary, it’s a great opportunity to revisit it or perhaps watch it for the first time.
The Sound Of Music Boasts Dynamic Characters & Performances

Christopher Plummer from The Sound of Music

Of all The Sound of Music’s characters, Maria is the most-revered, thanks to an absurdly charming performance by Andrews, fresh off her turn as Mary Poppins. In another actor’s hands, Maria could be over-the-top, but Andrews gives her a lovely depth, particularly as she wrestles with her feelings for the Captain. Her gift for physical comedy shouldn’t be overlooked, either, and that’s to say nothing of her once-in-a-generation voice. While Plummer wasn’t shy about his dislike for The Sound of Music early on, it doesn’t stop him from giving a winning performance. While the Captain is harsh in the beginning, Plummer completely sells his transformation as Maria brings out his softer side. The change feels believable and earned instead of jarring.

The nuns aren’t just boring rule followers, and even the Baroness is far more complex than a romantic obstacle or evil stepmother is typically allowed to be.

Admirably, The Sound of Music eschews stereotypes for its supporting characters. The kids are funny and charming, each with their own personality. The nuns aren’t just boring rule followers, and even the Baroness is far more complex than a romantic obstacle or evil stepmother is typically allowed to be.
Beautiful Scenery & Music Make For A Completely Engrossing Experience

Maria (Julie Andrews) singing Do Re Mi to the Von Trapp kids in a field in The Sound Of Music

Much of The Sound of Music was filmed in Austria, where the real-life von Trapp family lived during the events depicted in the movie. Director Robert Wise takes full advantage of the location, showcasing the beautiful mountains in the movie’s iconic opening sequence. The scenes at the von Trapp house are a treat as well, with the home’s grandeur effectively dwarfing Maria when she first arrives. Of course, the music contributes to just how watchable the movie is as well. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s spectacularly catchy songs feel very lived-in, a natural extension of the story and the perfect way to evoke the characters’ emotions.
The Sound Of Music Holds Up Thanks To Its Timeless Themes

Maria (Julie Andrews) and Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) holding each other closely in The Sound of Music

Perhaps the biggest reason The Sound of Music remains popular to this day is that its themes are as relevant as ever. The politics of the movie are unfortunately still in play, even decades later. However, many of its other themes are universal as well: grief, coming-of-age, romance, and more. If the movie has a negative, it’s that, with a runtime of 174 minutes, the story can’t help but drag a bit, especially near the end. On the whole, though, everything else The Sound of Music has going for it far outweighs any flaws. It’s an enormously enjoyable watch that I’m sure I’ll continue to revisit in the years to come. The Sound of Music, remastered in 4K, is in theaters from Friday, September 12 to Wednesday, September 17. Showtimes are available at Fathom Entertainment.

Release Date

March 2, 1965

Runtime

174 minutes

Director

Robert Wise

Writers

Ernest Lehman, Howard Lindsay, Russel Crouse