Dead Poets Society

UK Release: 22nd September 1989
Watched on Netflix: Tuesday 24th January 2012
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 2hrs 8mins

Tagline: He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary.

IMDb Plot Synopsis: Painfully shy Todd Anderson has been sent to the school where his popular older brother was valedictorian. His room-mate, Neil, although exceedingly bright and popular, is very much under the thumb of his overbearing father. The two, along with their other friends, meet Professor Keating, their new English teacher, who tells them of the Dead Poets Society, and encourages them to go against the status quo. Each, in their own way, does this, and are changed for life.

My Review: While long, this film swifts you away on a wave of emotion, intrigue and poetry. Centred around a group of young boys living in a prestigious boarding school, it follows their lives which are turned upside down after a new english teacher joins the school, played sweetly by Robin Williams. It was interesting, and indeed funny, to see how much their lives were changed, even re-starting the 'Dead Poets Society', which was originally founded by Williams himself.

What happens next is far more than I ever expected. It is both incredibly devastating and moving as well as funny, touching and inspiring.

An overall excellent film that makes you ponder life, love and literature...

Score: 8.5/10