Small Wonders

No lover of children, of music, of this country, of life itself could fail to be moved and inspired by the love and care and passion evident in this film and the program which is its basis.

I saw the documentary some years ago and absolutely loved it. I therefore looked forward to seeing the film, and while enjoyable, it just did not have the impact of the documentary. Small wonders seemed immediate and real life. Music From the Heart by contrast followed the predictable path of sentimentality with a couple of unnecessary romances thrown in as an afterthought, like sugar in a coffee. You know that one or two children are going to have problems at home and need to leave the program. You know that they lose the original venue after tickets have been sold, until SHAZAM someone comes to the rescue with Carnegie Hall. Small Wonders kept the sentimental goo out of the mix and showed it like it was, and Roberta Guaspari was a demanding tyrant, jus1 like the teachers who got the best out of me when I was at school.

I would like to see a 'where are they mow?' follow up of the children.

Beautiful, heart-warming documentary of music a teacher in New York who develops a violin program for young children. Simple style allows for wonderful story to be told without unnecessary frills or effects. Great cameos by Yitzhak Pearlman and Isaac Stern. Superb grand-finally at Carnegie Hall. Nominated for Best Documentary in 1995.