The Sandy Bottom Orchestra

I watched this film in dubbed French and it was the first time I've been able to watch a dubbed-film all the way through. I loved the fact that the film moves quite slowly and I felt that it had a certain "Fried Green Tomatoes in the WhistleStop Cafe" (one of my favourite movies) feel about it. It certainly wasn't as gritty as FGTitWC but I was glued for the entire afternoon.

This is a really good movie if you are really hungover or tired and don't need particularly brain tormenting TV to watch. I would recommend it for a group of girls especially if they're already into classical music.

This movie is a loving look at small town life through the eyes of an offbeat family and their love of classical music. Glenne Headly stars as the musically trained mom stuck in a small town she feels is shallow and parochial, but is reminded of the special place she has in it all the same [yes, the movie is Hallmark flavored sweetness, but it still has truth and honesty to it]. Her husband, a music loving dairy worker, decides to have a classical concert at the next annual dairy festival. Their teenage daughter (a talented musician) is having growing pains of her own -- she's the film narrator, and it's primary voice (we also see some things through the mother's point of view). An interesting subplot involves the mother's role as church choirmaster, and the struggles of the minister. This subplot in particular has some bite, and helps the movie not to be just written off as trite fluff.

An enjoyable movie that honors family, music, small town life, religion, and independence. A small film of a certain kind, predictable in its way, but not so easily written off as standard fare. We need more movies like this... how often do such themes get full length treatment?

I rented the movie and fell in love with it so of course i had to buy the DVD. Everyone gives a amazing performance and it's jut really a cute sweet movie. You don't see movies like this come around often so when they do you absolutely have to take advantage of them. What more can i say about this movie it's well written and well acted. A complete gem in my opinion. Recommended for the people who love a great movie! ~!

A truly heartwarming "slice of life" drama. Conductor of the local town orchestra of Sandy Bottom, Minnesota quits just weeks before their big concert at the agricultural fair. Resident Norman Green must take over the conducting chores now. Green's wife, Ingrid, is choir director at the Lutheran Church there and is getting grief from the minister and music committee about some of Ingrid's music selections. There is a very touching scene when the pastor of the church lets Ingrid know that he is aware that it was Ingrid who left the weeks supply of food for the minister and his family, after she discovered that the pastor's wife has a very debilitating disease. To make matters worse, Norman Green's guest soloist on the Mozart Piano Concerto storms off one week before the performance. Now Ingrid must step in at the last minute and perform a piece she has not tried in years. Very moving performances by Glenne Headly as Ingrid, Tom Irwin as Norman, Madeline Zima as daughter Rachel Green, and veteran actress Jane Powell as close friend Delia Ferguson. This film will have you laughing in places and crying in places, but the story is never maudlin. A must see film for the entire family.

I agree with all of the positive comments above. Our church in fact will be showing this movie in our Fall Movie Nights.

A great family and coming of age film. The scenery is beautiful, the acting very natural, the plot realistic, and the underlying theme is beautiful. It is a treasure of a movie for it's return to a simpler, more wholesome town that is reminiscent of Lake Wobegon - Garrison Keillor's mystical Minnesota town. I especially think it teaches the value of forgiveness, staying to your principles, and hope / faith.

I think all churches should review this film for showing to preteens as a lesson of being yourself and not getting caught up in the pressure to confirm to any popular lifestyle.