Music of The Heart is the inspirational true story of a woman who, once she learned to believe in herself, was able to give countless children a beautiful gift; she proved to them that they could accomplish anything.

Roberta Guaspari's (Meryl Streep) world crashed down around her when her husband walked out on her and her two young children. Like women before her, Roberta sacrificed her career because it was not compatible with her husband's career. He was in the Navy and they moved around so often that she was simply unable to maintain a job. Following their separation, she vowed to live by her own set of rules; she would not permit anyone to define who she was or what she was capable of accomplishing.

Roberta left the security of her small hometown and moved to one of America's toughest neighborhoods, East Harlem. She wanted to finally have the opportunity to teach the violin. She didn't have extensive experience to offer the school; she had her talent, her determination, and her violins. At first, the kids, the parents, and the principal (Angela Bassett) were skeptical. But, Roberta taught with such passion that it was infectious and soon her young violinists were manifesting incredible results - they were making beautiful, sophisticated music.

The children proved to be dedicated, bright and disciplined young musicians. Each year, more children competed to win a slot in Roberta's classroom and, each year, Roberta re-discovered the brilliance and potential that lies within the souls of her young students.

Despite her successes, after 10 years of teaching, the school board decided to cancel her funding. With the support of her friends and the community, she set out to do what no one else dared. Roberta fought back.

From acclaimed director Wes Craven, comes Music of The Heart, starring two-time Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep, musical sensation Gloria Estefan (in her motion picture debut, who also performs the song "Music of My Heart" with pop sensation 'N SYNC), Academy Award-nominee Angela Bassett, and Aidan Quinn in this extraordinary and inspirational true story for anyone who's ever been told their dreams are out of reach.

MOVIE REVIEW

Who would have thought Meryl Streep would be in a Wes Craven movie? But does she wield a knife and try to cut up all the other characters? Is she one of the helpless victims of a serial killer? No, she wields a violin and she plays a true-life teacher by the name of Roberta Guaspari who teaches a bunch of inner city kids how to play. Yes, this is a Wes Craven movie, but it is a drama (!!).
Read our Music of the Heart movie review »