It's a movie not a religious book.

Rating: Null/10 (14 February 2005)

I liked Dead Poet's Society. I think movies should entertain, sometimes teach by exposing consequences of actions we ourselves would not dare to dowhen they do both it becomes classic. The question is what lesson you choose to learn. Now are you going to understand that romanticism scored over realism thanks to this movie or are you going to learn that there are times when an unfettered soul creates and some times when the undisciplined spirit destroysthat there is very little to differentiate between indiscipline and free-spiritedness. Robin Williams himself tells off (in a very smooth, suave way) Charlie when he almost gets himself expelled. It is not that easy, for anyone, let alone a 17 year old , to distinguish and behave appropriately. One unfortunately finds out through experience, in other words till it is too late. Todd Anderson was the only one who seemed to bring something positive into his nature. Neil Perry, despite claiming to be free-spirited does not learn to open himself to his father. The possible repercussions still bog him down till he meets his unfortunate end. Charlie was always the undisciplined and free individual  he only received a further boost to his ego with his interpretation of the Carpe Diem message. His loyalty to his friends was admirable all the same. Meeks was and remained a self-serving student. The effects of the message barely touched him except to evoke a few creative thoughts (probably to be used in English Poetry answers) Knox was a man bound by fear of rejection and stayed away from proposing to a girl who was already someone else's girlfriend. The message led him to read poetry to the girl and kiss her without her consent which act should have evoked a slap but just evoked an "it's OK" Someone's ego was boosted. But that he lamely apologized was hearteningbut not enough of the lesson penetrated him. So basically only Todd gained positively. Even that could just be because his defect was his shyness and an obvious defect is easier to rectify than a concealed one. Why do teachers not advise or propagate free-spiritedness? Why do they ask you to conform? Isn't it at least partly because there are no ways of controlling what will happen nextno way to distinguish creativity from destructionbecause it will confuse the adolescent mind. In a way I believed what the Head said. 17 year olds(or any sane person really) should be encouraged to think for themselves but they should be told what their limits are as well. Else even someone with good intentions like Robin Williams will find himself tricked by the follower of advice. Finally I thought it was an encouraging lesson. It needn't make you want to read all those poetry books...but it reminds of you of higher, more beautiful feelings...makes you want to aim higher for yourself. Seeing Robin William's freedom of spirit encourages you to reach the pinnacle of your potential in your way. It needn't be by reading poetryany way you invent and make possible is fine.