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Rating: 10/10 (28 May 2005)

There have been many excellent movies dealing with the theme of teacher/ student interaction: 'To Sir With Love', 'Children of a Lesser God', 'Educating Rita', etc. In most cases the plot revolves around the teacher using special methods to reach students in difficult learning situations, or the teacher becomes a role model or inspiration for the student, or perhaps both, as is the case in 'Dead Poet's Society'.
And I suppose we can all think back to a special teacher who helped us at school, who put in that extra effort to forge a personal connection, and who really seemed to care. Maybe it was an English teacher who introduced us to a special poet or poem? Perhaps a film like this helps us remember these things about our own past, and that is part of the movie's appeal.
'Dead Poet's Society' is about a gifted teacher (played by the inimitable Robin Williams) and a special student, the connection they had, and the disastrous consequences which resulted. It's a uplifting film, a poignant film, a film that touches the heart.
'Dead Poet's Society' was directed by Australian-born Peter Weir who more recently directed 'The Truman Show' and 'Master and Commander'.