Open to interpretation

Rating: Null/10 (18 June 2002)

A wonderful film, typical of Peter Weir. I thought performances were stunning (especially Ethan Hawke, whose portrayal of being hassled was so perfect, he was even blushing), Robert Sean Leonard was also very convincing in his passionate obsession with acting. I must say I'm not awfully keen on Robin Williams, but that's probably more to do with his looks than his acting ability. Anyhow, his over-zealousness made me feel a wee bit uneasy a couple of times (perhaps I have myself been unfortunate, never seen a teacher so passionate about teaching), particularly where he's squatting down among the class, urging them to huddle.
I seem to have noticed something that hasn't been mentioned here. The closeness between Todd and Neil has just a tinge of emotional attachment, that is more intense than just a close adolescent friendship of two boys sharing a dorm. Yet again, this theme (if indeed it is intended) would've been so easy to exaggerate and ruin by adding the unnecessary elements of physicality, which thankfully hasn't been done, thus contributing another very important thread to the sensitive poetic nature.