The Sound of Music

Rating: 5+/5

Of all 93 features in my Oscar Best Picture Watch Through, The Sound of Music was one of the handful that I was most excited to get to.

I grew up with dedication and adoration for Julie Andrews. The moment I saw Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, I was absolutely hooked. Then when I discovered that she and I shared the same birthday, young me took that as a sign that I was destined to love practically anything Dame Andrews put her stamp on.

As a young girl, I grew up in a musical household. Whether we were watching them on our modest tv or seeing them live in a theater, I was always enthralled by the creativity behind telling a story through song. The Sound of Music was one that made a major impact. From the moment you see Maria on the hills to the finale of seeing the Von Trapps escape through those very same mountains, you cannot turn your eyes or ears away.

Julie Andrews voice is like no other. It is filled with kindness and enchantment. Even though I was perfectly happy with my home life, I couldn't help wanting to be a Von Trapp and sing through the mountains of Austria while wearing my newly made curtain dress. The Sound of Music is a classic, because even though I first saw this marvel over two decades ago, I still find myself with the same feelings of joy and excitement, plus the same urge to sing along as I did when I was little.

The Sound of Music is another film where, though it has a rather long runtime, it absolutely flies by. So much so, that when it ends, I yearn to start back over again.

Movie musicals have a history of being Oscar nominated, regardless of whether they are great or not, but The Sound of Music is not only without question the best musical to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, but perhaps the greatest movie musical in existence. Strong words I know, but, when you have Julie Andrews leading your story, there's usually only perfection to be found.

1966 Best Picture Winner - The Sound of Music

1966 Best Director Winner - Robert Wise

1966 Best Sound Winners - James Corcoran & Fred Hynes

1966 Best Music, Scoring of Music, Adaptation or Treatment Winner - Irwin Kostal

1966 Best Film Editing Winner - William Reynolds