The most important movie any teenager could possibly see

Rating: 6/10 (24 July 2005)

People tend to compare this movie in relation to other movies: The quality of the acting, of the story. I believe that is entirely beside the point.
Like the pupils do with their introduction to poetry, determining in callous fact what is a good poem and what isn't -- tear it out, throw it away.
It's about ideas, and its purpose is to teach those ideas. The movie is a sermon, a lesson, as shown by the countless teachers who decide to have their students watch it.
The lesson is to live intently, to defy conformism, to make your life your own, even at the cost of said life. I believe this is a literally invaluable lesson, and the movie does an excellent job of teaching it.
Sic transit gloria mundi - the beauty of the world is fleeting. Grab it, hold onto it, suck every last drop of pleasure from it.