Inspired

Rating: Null/10 (8 August 2002)

1989 was one of them years where it seemed every Oscar-nominated picture deserved to scoop the prize. Dead Poets Society missed out but that doesn't stop it from ranking as one of the best films of the Eighties. Robin Williams shines in his finest film as Mr. Keating, an unconventional English teacher at a New England prep school who inspires and awakens his pupils - summed up with one famous catchphrase, "seize the day". The film then focuses on the effect Keating's influence on a group of boys, with both successful and tragic consequences. This could have easily been overly sentimental and clichÃ©-ridden but the script (which did win the Oscar) is believable, absorbing and observing, which successfully conveys the spirit and impact of the story. All the important, crucial parts are perfectly cast and expertly performed by stars young and old. An inspired film that will most certainly inspire whoever watches it. And that's exactly what great films are all about.