This ending absolutely floored me...

Rating: 9/10 (7 December 1998)

After hearing nothing but praise from my friends and family, I made the decision to rent Dead Poets Society. Although it was hyped-up a lot by my friends, I tell you that I was not the least bit disappointed. This film lived up to the hype and then some. I'm not gonna waste my time summarizing this film, cause chances are anyone who is reading this has already seen the film. So instead I'm going to briefly touch on the impact this film had on me as an individual. Carpe Diem (sieze the day). That pretty much sums up the feeling that this film instilled in me after viewing it. It made me realize that there are more important things in life than just following "tradition" and doing what is expected of you. It showed me that I must follow my own path in life, with what makes me truly happy, rather than conform with what is expected of me. Also, I don't think I have ever been so touched by a single scene in a movie like I was with the final scene in this movie. When you could see the guilt in the eyes of the Ethan Hawke character, knowing that he was partially responsible for Mr. Keating's dismissal. You could tell he just wanted to tell Mr Keating how much he meant to all of his friends and him. And you could also see the forgivness in the eyes of Robin Williams, knowing that the boys were not to blame, but rather the "establishment". And when Mr. Keating was just about to leave the classroom for the last time, and Ethan Hawke jumped up on his desk and addressed Mr Keating "Captain, My Captain!"... I literally wept out loud. I have never cried during a movie like I did with this one. I literally bawled that entire scene (when the students stood up on their desks), and didn't stop until half-way through the final credits. Anyone that enjoys being moved and touched by a movie MUST see this one. It will also add two important words to your vocabulary.... CARPE DIEM.