muldrow3

I was 10 when this movie came out and in a boychoir at the time. For someone in my position, the music sung by the Blanton boys was so relatable. I've done the solo of Laudate Dominum that Taylor does in the opening scene of the movie. Keeping with the theme of music, the film accurately shows the two ends of the spectrum from classical to blues as depicted by Taylor's world and Landy's world, respectively. The pieces are well chosen on both sides. The unchanged voices in the film provide a certain nostalgia for me since my days as a soprano are long gone. Some others on IMDb have questioned how or if boys can sing that high. Speaking from personal experience, yes unchanged boys voices sound exactly like they do in the movie. I myself could sing soprano until I was 12.

As for the other theme of the film, racial tension in the south during the 1950s, the film is also very realistic. I am black and although I don't speak from personal experience, my own studies of that period in American history combined with comments from my parents and grandparents that were present during that time paint a very similar picture. There was an almost palpable tension between blacks and whites especially in the deep south. I think the movie demonstrates that tension. It also demonstrates the movement of change that would culminate with the Civil Rights movement during the 1960s. The strong friendship Taylor and Landy develop stems from their mutual love of music. They show interest in what they've grown up hearing as well as the music of other cultures. To both of them, music in any form is beautiful. The ultimate lesson of the story centers around how music can act as bridge.

I would highly recommend this movie. It's a great film for the family to watch to open a dialogue regarding race. There are acts of violence along racial lines and KKK references, but the realism of the movie makes it worth watching.