Seize the Day indeed...

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2001)

"Dead Poets Society" is a remarkable film, and one that I simply cannot praise or recommend enough. Robin Williams plays Mr. Keating, a new teacher at a private boys school in 1959. His unorthodox teaching methods, designed to make his pupils more aware of the topics and to encourage them to open up to each other more, are viewed with apprehension and derision by his work colleagues but begin to leave an impression on each of his pupils. They soon go on to start a 'Dead Poets Society', in which they go into the woods at night and read poetry to each other. However, tragedy strikes and Keating's teaching is thought to be to blame by the other members of staff.
Amusing, compelling and often moving, "Dead Poets Society" is a wonderfully acted piece with a good young cast (including Ethan Hawke in an early role). Most exceptional of all is Robin Williams who plays his role of the inspirational leader to a group of people at a crossroads in their lives to absolute perfection, proving once and for all that not only is he one of the greatest comedy performers of all time, he is equally adept at playing it straight, and he certainly deserves to be recognised more for his talents.
If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do, you won't be disappointed.