Watch Music Within

Music Within is a heartfelt and humorous biographical drama from 2007 that tells the inspiring true story of Richard Pimentel, a Vietnam War veteran who became a leading advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. The film features an all-star cast, including Ron Livingston as Richard Pimentel, Melissa George as Christine, Michael Sheen as Art Honeyman, and Yul Vazquez as Julio.

The film opens with Richard Pimentel as a bright and charismatic young man who is drafted to go to Vietnam. His experiences in the war leave him with a severe case of tinnitus and a traumatic brain injury that leaves him with debilitating headaches and seizures. After returning from the war, Richard struggles to fit back into civilian life and to find a purpose for himself. He wanders from job to job, unable to settle down or make meaningful connections with others.

But Richard's life takes a turn when he meets Art Honeyman, a curmudgeonly public-speaking coach who sees potential in Richard and agrees to teach him how to communicate effectively in front of an audience. Through Art's tough-love coaching, Richard discovers a talent for public speaking that he never knew he had. He starts to speak out for the rights of people with disabilities, and he becomes a leading advocate for the cause.

Along the way, Richard meets Christine, a fellow advocate who also has a disability. They start a romantic relationship that is filled with ups and downs as they navigate their own limitations and the challenges of the world around them. Through their relationship, Richard learns the true meaning of empathy and connection, and he becomes a more compassionate and effective advocate for people with disabilities.

The film is a powerful tribute to the life and work of Richard Pimentel, who played a pivotal role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life with a disability, nor does it sugarcoat the difficulties of living with the aftermath of war. But it also celebrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and it shows how one person can make a real difference in the lives of others.

The acting in the film is superb, with Ron Livingston delivering a nuanced and nuanced performance as Richard Pimentel. Melissa George is equally impressive as Christine, bringing a raw vulnerability to the role that makes her character feel authentic and relatable. Michael Sheen is a standout as Art Honeyman, providing a sharp wit and a gruff exterior that hides a heart of gold.

The film's direction by Steven Sawalich is also spot-on, balancing the seriousness of the subject matter with moments of levity and humor. The film's pacing is brisk, keeping the audience engaged throughout, and the authentic period details and settings help to transport viewers back to the era of the 1970s and 80s.

Overall, Music Within is a must-see film that celebrates the power of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for the rights of all people, regardless of their differences or disabilities. It is a touching and inspiring tribute to Richard Pimentel, whose legacy continues to inspire and influence advocates for the disabled community today.

Music Within is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 53.