"And not when I had come to die, discover I had not lived."

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2000)

I use this quote on a regular basis. It always reminds me of Dead Poets' Society and to "seize the day" and make my life extraordinary. I saw this movie when I was 14 and it is my favorite drama ever. I love Robin Williams and his work here is incredible. He would be the person I would cast to be a "non-traditional" teacher. He has his bits of humor here but he also brings class to the film and adds to the traditional flavor of the picture, even though he is supposed to be non-traditional. Wonderfully portrayed, I must say.
I am an actress and very involved in theatre. It is my life and my love. After seeing Robert Sean Leonard's character, Neil, go through the changes and realizations that he does in the film, I am so glad that I am able to do what I love through theatre and that I have the freedom to make the choice to do so. Neil is a wonderfully gifted person and anyone who has been denied something they loved can sympathize with him. Leonard portrays such an eloquent, likeable and feeling character that I instantly was drawn into his struggle in the film. Like Williams, Leonard does a wonderful job here as well.
Overall, this film is incredible. The essence of it is so intense and powerful that if you did not feel any different after seeing it then you haven't discovered that you have not lived yet and that you still have to "make your life extraordinary!"