Review by J1 Reporter Sophie Golka
“The Dead Poets Society” is a classic that I had never seen until recently. I had heard from friends that it was good and worth watching, but I found myself pushing back and always finding another movie. This time, I sat down with my family and watched the 1989 classic.
The story takes place at Walton Academy, an elite all-boys boarding school in Vermont. It follows Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), a new student, and his roommate, Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard). In the midst of all their very strict teachers and rules, the new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams, known for “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Jumanji” and “Aladdin”), is different with his fun ways of teaching that go against the book and even destroy it.
Through Mr. Keating, the boys learn about an old club that he used to be in called “The Dead Poets Society” which has since been dismantled. The boys secretly start it back up and they meet to tell poems. During this time Todd starts coming into himself and becoming more confident while Neil finds that he loves acting and telling stories. He tries out for the play and gets the lead, but soon after has to deal with his father who does not want this for him and has prepared Neil’s life for him.
I love how this story shows that teaching isn’t always about doing exactly what the textbook says. Mr. Keating makes it clear that reading and poetry aren’t cut and dry, it isn’t boring, but fun and interesting. He moves the boys and makes them care about school, about life. He is truly teaching them. It also delves into the idea of forging your own path and being your own person.
As the story goes on Todd steps into himself and truly embraces who he is and what he has to say. Neil’s struggle with what he wants and what his father wants is central to the story and when he talks about acting he lights up, full of life showing that doing what you want and fueling your love and passion is central to life.
The movie is available on Hulu, Disney+, and available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. It has an 8.5 out of 10 on IMDb, an 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes given by critics, and a 92 percent on the same site given by the audience. I would give this movie an 8 out of 10. It was worth watching but it is something that I need to be in the mood to watch. So, I recommend on a nice fall night, grabbing a blanket and some popcorn and putting on this 1989 classic that will make you both happy and sad, and enjoy.
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