Great coming of age story

Rating: 8/10 (19 September 2018)

This is probably one of the best coming of age films I've ever seen. The anti-authority themes are just so excellent, and the fact that you could argue very easily that Keating was a negative influence on the kids makes the movie that much better to me. It comes off as a little preachy (poetry is great, whatever), but we can also see how Neil's parents may be right about a few things, the dean/head of the school was also fairly reasonable if you look at it without the like, "main character bias" or whatever you want to call it.
I think I liked it so much because I used to be like the kids in the film. I used to think movies, tv, books, and ESPECIALLY poetry were a total waste of time. I was focused entirely on science, math, school, tests, stuff like that. My Keating is also an English teacher(s). My Junior and Senior year English teachers encouraged me to read and enjoy it so much more than anyone else in my life. So when I watch this movie, and I see Keating on screen, I'm thinking of my own English teachers (even though they're definitely a lot less intense).
Problems with the film? Not many, but, there were a few. I felt like it was a bit melodramatic at times. No high school aged kids are going to be talking like this in real life, it's definitely over dramatized. The authoritative characters are exaggerated as well, in my opinion. This is all ok though, the plot, acting (especially from Williams), and themes really worked out well for me, I loved them. I'd have to watch the movie again to point out more flaws, on first watches of films I , and I think most people, have a much more positive view than they would after further reflection or rewatches. I think the mark of a really good movie is that it improves as you think about it more (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Schindler's List, and Apocalypse Now being my favorite examples).
I really liked this movie. I think I could consider it one of my favorites for now. All the themes just resonate with my own life so well.