Truly Moving and Inspiring

Rating: 10/10 (10 October 2004)

If someone has not been deeply moved and inspired by such a wonderful film as "Dead Poets Society", I really don't know what can do the trick for him/her... "DPS" was the nice surprise of the late 80s: Appeared out of nowhere (no big-time promotion, smallish budget, not-very-well-known actors at that time apart from Robin Williams) and instantly stole the hearts and minds of virtually everybody who watched it. Within a short while, "carpe diem" and "oh captain, my captain" became familiar and beloved phrases. Moreover, the film became a legend for its spirit of free-thinking and its message of "seizing the day" and managing one's destiny.
"DPS" is about a newly-arrived teacher Mr. Keating (Williams) into Welton, a traditional, respected, and rigid school in the late 50s. Not only is Mr. Keating himself a graduate from "Hell-ton", but he is also carrying with him a free-thinking and innovative style which is utterly incompatible with the ways the Welton pupils had been used to. The professor transmits his magic to his pupils, including among others Todd Anderson (Hawke), the shy brother of a famous Welton graduate, and his room-mate, Neil Perry (Leonard), a talented boy who is kept under the wings of an oppressive father. Mr. Keating's magic transforms his boys' beliefs and ideals, but unfortunately not all good things in life last forever...
Williams is simply unforgettable as Mr. Keating, a role which for many people (including me) has been forever associated with him. What is even more striking, is the astonishing performance of all the young boys: From the then-unknown Ethan Hawke, to Gale Hansen as Charlie "Nuwanda" Dalton, and of course, to Robert Sean Leonard as Mr. Keaton's star pupil, Neil Perry.
This is a movie everyone should watch: It may have no dazzling shoot-outs and special effects, star actors and sexy actresses, and all the other usual Hollywood block-buster elements, but it is one of those films that you never forget. 10/10.