Dead Poets Society (1989)

Robin Williams stars as an English teacher who doesn't fit into the conservative prep school where he teaches, but whose charisma and love of poetry inspires several boys to revive a secret society with a bohemian bent. The script is well meaning but a little trite, though director Peter Weir (The Truman Show) adds layers of emotional depth in scenes of conflict between the kids and adults. (A subplot involving one father's terrible pressure on his son--played by Robert Sean Leonard--to drop his interest in theater reaches heartbreaking proportions.) Williams is given plenty of latitude to work in his brand of improvisational humor, though it is all well-woven into his character's style of instruction. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

2.5 stars out of 4

The Bottom Line:

Dead Poets Society tells the story of an iconoclastic teacher who teaches his students to love him; meandering and poorly-written, it's a mediocre movie with laughable scenes (e.g. the most pretentious suicide ever shot) and stereotyped characters. December 18, 2008

Dead Poets Society movie

Outstanding movie! The volume had to be turned up more than usual, but an otherwise great movie to view. I use this video in my classroom to spark further discussions dealing with individualism, the American Dream, and poetry. December 17, 2008

One of the Best!

This movie is, by far, one of my favorite movies of all time. It was so well written, directed and has some of the best actors (i.e. Robert Sean Leonard-Dr. Wilson himself!). Moving score as well. I hate to say this but it was because of this movie that I became interested in poetry. And I saw this at the movies when it came out in 1989. I was 20. I hadn't known what I was missing not reading poetry. Better late than never! Watch this movie, open your mind and you'll be pleasantly surprised! Peace. October 23, 2008

On my all time top 10 movie list

I have seen this movie so many times I think I have everyone of Robin William's lines memorized. Everytime I watch this movie I wish I had been a teacher. The cast of teeneage boys are tremendous in their rolls and Robin Williams is electrifying as the off beat instructor who dares to challenge the rules in the traditional school where he was once a student. Part coming of age part tragedy the story is filled with drama and sprinkled with humor but more than anything always makes me want to do more with my own life.

If you have never seen this movie rent it or buy it now. September 30, 2008

Moving Inspiration

I first saw this movie in my 11th grade english class and I didn't get to see all of it so I bought it for myself. I have to say, it is a moving piece of art and is a movie that everyone should watch regardless if they are familiar with Whitman, Thoreau or Emmerson. August 8, 2008

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