Dead Poets Society

Rating:
Summary: Moving, enchanting...
Review: It really comes as no surprise to see that there are already well over 120 reviews written on this one. However, what more can I add to that? Hopefully, something useful, if not entertaining.

It was almost uncanny. I was at a used book-store years ago. I came across an old yearbook from Wooster University in Wooster, Ohio. It is from 1936. Mint condition. The price was $1.50. That's right, one dollar and fifty cents. I purchased it with no hesitation.

Looking at those pictures, of people most likely long deceased, "Dead Poets' Society" came to mind. "Carpe Diem" and the lives of these people brought to reality. Each individual, captured for eternity in an array of poses. One lad, with his cap and goggles, posed dashingly on his motorcycle (an incredibly gorgeous 1930-ish Indian motorcycle). The girls, in lovely sweaters and skirts, looking unabashedly like the Andrews Sisters. The gents, most in bowlers, wire rimmed glasses, etc....strikingly handsome. "Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper" as it were. Or at least a young Frankie. All exuding a sense of innocence and naivete, in a pre-WWII world. At least, before things really started getting heated in Europe.

What did these kids acheive in their lives? Was it what they wanted? Was it what they expected? Are they even missed? Which ones were lovers? How many found their love? How many were shipped off to the Great War, and lost their lives/loves?

This movie brings to life the images, and stories, of youth. Of casting away all preconceived (or even, brainwashed) ideas of what should and should not be. Of being an individual. Experiencing life. Experiencing the tragedy of what can happen when the forces of the world won't let you have that experience. (Those who have seen the movie know the tragedy of which I refer.)

It is an incredibly powerful movie. One that is uplifting and depressing at the same time. But, inasmuch as it carries such a feeling with it, it also inspires. It inspires you to live your life to the fullest, to experience life and love. It also affirms that life need not be what others say it should be.

Perhaps this is much too deep, or maybe it's a bunch of psuedo-intellectual non-sense ("mumbo-jumbo" my grandmother would say). I don't know, and who am I to say? Just, whatever the general vibe maybe that you got from the story about the yearbook, and lives lived and lost, that's the jist of this movie.

Robin Williams in one of his finest roles, if not "the" finest role of his life.

Rating:
Summary: Carpe Diem?
Review: Although dramatically obvious in some respects, this movie was very well directed and acted. The various elements of conflict were established early on, and the tension they created held me in their grip through the denouement. Robin Williams plays the part of the ultimate romantic, the idealist. His love of poetry is so infectious that he inspires his students to reestablish his own Prep-School Secret Society after which the movie is titled. He wants his students to live life to its full, carpe diem, seize the day. His idealistic enthusiasm appeals to the romantic in all of us. However, the Roman proverb, when looked at in its entirety, shows the weakness in this excessively romantic approach to life: Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, "seize the day, trusting as little as possible to what tomorrow may bring." Williams perhaps forgot that, while young people are impressionable, they can also be impractical in their application of what is impressed upon them. Teenagers don't need to be inspired to live for today; that is the very essence of youth. What teenagers need is to be reminded of the responsibilities of life, and that there are consequences to every decision we make. That reality was to take on deep and painful meaning for Williams when his most gifted student defies his father (unbeknownst to Williams) to such a sad outcome.

I found the symbolism employed in this film subtle and intriguing. A comparison is drawn between Williams and Abraham Lincoln. In Walt Whitman's poem "Captain my Captain" Whitman pays homage to the dead Lincoln for his many virtues, his strength of character, and, in particular, for freeing an oppressed people. Williams tells his students that, if they dare, they can call him "captain my captain". He wants his students to appreciate that he is trying to help them free their minds so they can think for themselves. This brings Williams into conflict with the school Principal who believes that students should learn to conform to society, and that rigid discipline is the better curriculum.

I found another subtle connection between Lincoln and one of characters, although it was probably not the director's intention. When Abraham Lincoln came to appreciate the horrific deadly impact of the Civil War on the lives of so many of his people, he couldn't bear the burden. Employing what may be called a self-preservation mechanism, Lincoln laid the burden of the Civil War on God's shoulders. He came to view the war as God's punishment to his Nation for allowing the egregious institution of slavery to endure for so long. So it was with Leonard's father. He could not deal with the guilt he felt for the loss of his son, so he used William's teaching methods as his scapegoat. Unfortunately William's shoulders were not as broad as God's, and his life and career were devastated.

Weir also used religious allusion when directing the scene in Leonard's bedroom, where Leonard wears the wreath from the Shakespearean play in which he starred. This apparently had some connection to the thorny crown Christ wore when he was impaled. Weir was likely implying that Leonard is to be considered a sacrifice on the alter of his father's unreasoning close-mindedness; though it may not be inappropriate to consider him as one impaled on the 'cross' of youthful misapprehension and miss-guidance.

One of the movie's elements of conflict was the ideological tension between William's and his employer. Williams was a romantic idealist; the principle of the school for which he worked was an unbending, rigid realist. Williams probably knew that his innovative if somewhat unorthodox teaching methods would ultimately cause him to butt heads with the school system, but his love for young people and for teaching, coupled with his belief that he could make a difference in his students lives, encouraged him to follow his convictions. The tension between Williams and the school was only a subplot, and one of many that were artfully weaved throughout the fabric of this excellent film. There was also contrast between the outgoing and the shy, the charismatic and the inhibited.

Robert Sean Leonard plays the outspoken, gifted, charismatic youth. He has such savior faire that everybody likes and looks up to him. His roommate, played by Ethan Hawk, was his antithetical counterpart. Hawk was shy and inhibited --so much so that he wouldn't even join the Dead Poets Society unless he were assured that he would never have to read in front of the group. In the development of these two characters we see the expression of one of life's great ironies. Those who appear to be most in control, who seem to have life by the horns and seem destined to succeed in what ever they do, often lack the inner strength to follow through with their convictions. Conversely, those who are quiet, introverted, introspective, and inhibited, often have great inner strength, which gives them the ability to surpass these barriers when it really matters. It is their deep conviction and determination to do what is right that gives them their strength. Both boys had controlling parents-although Leonard's father was perhaps the epitome of the controlling, manipulative father. Both boys were put in positions where they had to stand up for what they believed. But in the end, it was the timid Hawks who had the strength of character to stand up (literally on his desk) for what he believed was right.

That is not to say that Leonard was completely lacking in strength of character, but seventeen or eighteen years of being so thoroughly dominated by his father rendered him incapable of breaking his forced habit of subjection when it mattered to him most.

This leads of course to Leonard's father, the character who provided perhaps the greatest conflict in the film. It seems that Weir wanted the audience to dislike this character, and most people probably instinctively do. He was domineering, manipulative, and closed-minded. His manner was so over-bearing that his son was paralyzed when it came to confronting him. However, we should not overlook the reason the father was so unyielding. He labored hard to give his son opportunities he never had. If he was unreceptive to his son's desire to be an actor, it was certainly with good cause. Hollywood is filled with would be actors, who will never get the "big chance" for which they have pinned their life's hopes and dreams. What parent would not be unresponsive or at least unenthusiastic in the same situation? We should not forget that Leonard was just a teenager, and few teenagers have the perception, understanding, or maturity to make such weighty decisions --Peter Weir's opinion notwithstanding.

This is not to say, of course, that I support the father's domineering parental style, but being a good parent is difficult --especially today. It was heartrending and tragic that the father's mistake was one for which making amends would be forever denied him. There is an illustration that applies well to Leonard and his father's relationship: If you pick up a handful of sand and hold your hand open, the sand will pour between your fingers; if you hold on too tight the sand will pour between your fingers; but, if you gently cup the sand in your hand you will hold on to it. Good parents are neither too lax nor too rigid, but they learn to hold their children in a gentle loving cup. Leonard's father held him in a vice-like grip; what poured through his fingers was his son's precious blood. It is in this contemplation that the movie's subtler, sub-theme finds its expression: "The road not taken [really] can make all the difference." If Leonard would have found the courage to confront his father, to assertively share his dreams and desires, a different end may have been achieved. If Leonard's father would have been made to realize that his son was serious about his desire to be an actor, and that he would let nothing get in his way, his father may have relented. At least a compromise may have been reached. In any case, Leonard would soon be an adult and could decide for himself what course his life would take. He was certainly not obligated to the ten years of medical school he so ardently feared.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: Movies like Dead Poets Society are few and far between. The film takes place at a Prep school, and follows the paths of the students there. Robin Williams( In his finest performance to date) is their inspiring teacher, who encourages to find themselves and live life to the fullest. After a tragic occurence, Williams is pinned as a scapegoat, and forced to leave. It is only then when we see what profound impact he has left on his students, and what they have learned from him. This one will make you stand up and cheer!

Rating:
Summary: Robin William's best work
Review: This film is a class-act from the beginning to the end. A slight air of exaggerated self-importance hanging over the films plot is it's only weakness and only a trifling weakness at that. If you are looking for an inspiring film then forget 'Rocky' and buy 'Dead Poets Society', because it is truly one of the most inspiring films I have ever seen. The acting is sound and the script witty at times and poignant at others. This film is mandatory viewing for any lovers of dramatic cinema. 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Dead Poet Society
Review: The title of the film is "Dead Poet Society" It mainly takes place in preparatory school,in the East Coast of the U.S.A.One of the main character is John Keating played by Robin Williams.He is an English teacher.Other main characters are Neil,Todd,Knox and Charlie. Mr Keating moved to Welton Academy. He said "Carpe Diem"(in English,Seize The Day") The boys made the club,Dead Poets Society. They read poetry in cave in the evening. Neil wanted to act in a play,but his father forced him study,so he couldn't obey the order,and at the end of the film,certain tragedy happen...Knox fell in love with Chris who had already her boyfriend.But he got a chance to watch the play with her.Charlie didn't obey shool rules,and the headmaster expelled him.

We particularly likeed the last scene because the students opposed Mr.Nolan,and stood up on their desks in the last scene.It gave us deep impression. We like Charlie.He was daredevil but he always had his will and did as he liked.

The main massage is Seize The Day means to be active and live fully.The themes of this film are education,friendship,freedom and relationship with parents.

The film made us courageous by Mr.Keating's words. We were moved by the last scene.We learned many things.When you become tired of your school life,teacher or friend,We recommend you to see this film.

We learned to Seize The Day.

Rating:
Summary: My Opinion
Review: What caracters and scenes were you most interested in? I was most interested in Mr.Keating and the last scene. Mr.Keating had own world,loved poems and taught them to his students under his motto.He did extraordinary things that the other teachers couldn't do.So the students were interested in poems or his class ,and became to like him.However,the other teachers critisized the way of his teaching.I wish I could meet a teacher like Mr.Keating. I particularly liked the last scene because I was moved what Todd said. I was surprised that Todd,who had been shy,took the lead,and other students followed his action.And Mr.Keating replied to his students. Perhaps this film showed us the importance of relationship between teachers and students,and of spending each day enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: My opinions about Dead Poets society
Review: The most impressive character for me was Neil. At first, he couldn't disobey his father at all. He had his opinion, but whenever his father ordered, Neil answered "Yes, sir." However, he changed, because he met Mr. Keating. He is a free-thinker, so he changed not only Neil but also other students. I was very impressed with Mr. Keating's way of teaching, because he teaches students enjoyably in a conservative school and the boys liked him. By the way, when Neil had a problem, he consulted with Mr. Keating and he advised. After that Neil consulted with his father about his dream, but his father couldn't understand at all. As a result, Neil took the worst measure. This end was very miserable. The film discribes an unique teacher and tells that we should not be too strict; moreover the film says we should be active and make your best to realize your ideal.

Rating:
Summary: Reviews by Dead Poets Society
Review: This film was about a teacher and students of a strict school.The most interesting scene for us was when students stood up on the desks.The main characters are Mr.Keating and Neil.Mr.Keating was a teacher of Dead Poets Society and he was trusted by his students.Neil was a student who wanted to be an actor,but his father did not allow it.Perhaps this film showed us that we should seize the day.Students were told the word,seize the day,by Mr.Keating and tried to seize the day.The film made us feel sad to watch Neil's happening,and we moved when students stood up on the desks.And also we were angry with Neil's father because he didn't try to listen to Neil's opinion.We enjoyed the film because we are students just like them.We were taught the importance of seizing the day from this film,so we want to recommend this film to you! We should challenge"Seize The Day".

Rating:
Summary: my review
Review: At first, when I saw the title, I couldn't understand what this film like. The setting is old. I want to study with the teacher like Mr. Keating. Neil was a poor character because his father didn't let him chase, his dream as an actor. I was sad when I saw his final happening! Main massage that this film wants to say is it is necessary to obey parents surely, but it is also necessary to express own opinion. "Seize the day," means that it is important to live everytime as hard as possible. I enjoyed this film because it was a moving film. I will recommend this film to other people and I want them to be moved. I was also moved when I saw the final scene. I want to see other movies and I want study English from them.

Rating:
Summary: About DEAD POET SOCIETY
Review: Now,I watchet "DEAD POET SOCIETY",it made me think about relationship of people.I thought this subject is the way of reading.For example Mr.Keating taught students to express their feeling and never changed his mind.These actions show me to live.If I were they,I might choose different way. I think this film showed me that Mr.Keating and his students made boderlss relationship between teacher and students,and growing up mind,independent.We can lean importance of human rlationship and go my way.