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Amazon.co.uk Review
Robin Williams stars as an English teacher who doesn't fit into the conservative prep school where he teaches but his charisma and love of poetry inspires several boys to revive a secret society with a bohemian bent. The script is well-meaning but a little trite, though director Peter Weir (The Truman Show) adds layers of emotional depth in scenes of conflict between the kids and adults. (A subplot involving one father's terrible pressure on his son--played by Robert Sean Leonard--to drop his interest in the theatre reaches heartbreaking proportions). Williams is given plenty of latitude to work in his brand of improvisational humour, though it is all well-woven into his character's style of instruction. --Tom Keogh
Amazon.co.uk Review
Peter Weir’s entry in the "coming of age" teen movie genre, Dead Poets’ Society is a more than usually emotive tale of one teacher and the students he inspires. Robin Williams plays the radical English teacher in a stuffy New England prep school who tries to make a difference. His unconventional methods and love of poetry make him a hit with the repressed teens under his tutelage, and they in turn form a secret society for the pursuit of freedom, truth, beauty and other bohemian ideals. Much soul-searching ensues, not least from the doe-eyed Neil (Robert Sean Leonard) whose sensitive aspirations to pursue a career in the theatre are scuppered by his prosaic father with tragic consequences.
True, the script is clichéd at times and the battle between adults and teens is hackneyed, but no one can deny the emotional power of the "Captain My Captain" scene, where the class defiantly stand on their desks, or the moment when Williams inspires his class with the motto "Carpe Diem". Indeed it is the relationship between Williams and his pupils that enables Weir to raise the film above what could have been over-sentimental slosh, with Williams’ trademark improvised monologues injecting humanity (even in a relatively serious role) into the central character. The result is an inspirational story that stands up to repeat viewings.
On the DVD: Dead Poets’ Society is anamorphically enhanced for this special edition and the changing seasons of New England are beautifully recreated with rich earthy tones dominating the location scenes. Special attention has been paid to the audio track with the dialogue crisp and clear throughout. Extras are good, including retrospective interviews with cast and crew in the "Scrapbook" feature, an unedited scene that was originally part of a planned montage, the trailer and a couple of featurettes, both dealing with the technical aspects of the shoot. There’s also an audio commentary from director Weir, John Seale and screenwriter Tom Schulman.--Kristen Bowditch
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I still remember fondly seeing this at the cinema back in 1989. It's as fresh now as it was then and still totally inspiring. Every time I watch this it leaves me feeling inspired and ready to grab life by the horns. "Make your lives extraordinary boys" says Robin Williams. It serves as a constant reminder that one day you'll be gone and quite probably forgotten, so make the most of your life and seize the day. The ending still kills me even now. An often overlooked classic.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This film has to be one of the most inspiring that i have seen in my short lifespan. Robin Williams is fantastic in his portrayal of an english teacher who is so passionate about the world and the poetry the world inspires that he ignites a group of young students with a powerful flame which is not doused even by tragedy .An electric charge runs through body and mind when you encounter this film. I challenge anyone to leave after seeing this film and not want to "seize the day".
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This has to have one of the best endings in film history. Robin Williams is brilliant as the rookie English teacher who persuades disillusioned school kids to re-capture their thirst for life and creativity. If you're ever feeling at a loss, or frustrated, just watch this to give you a kick in the right direction!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great movie
This movie is superb! It is definitely an essential part of a dvd collection. It's like a poem and Robin Williams is fantastic.
Published 28 days ago by Sardinia
Dead Poets Society DVD
This film is one of my all time favourites. It never fails to reduce me (a grown man)to tears as it is sad. Great acting from a great cast including Robin Williams. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Stevie Boy
Phenomenal performances and an incredibly moving story
Simply one of the most moving stories about seizing life. The acting is superb is every conceivable way, the writing is precise and the message is powerful. Read more
Published 6 months ago by David
Thank god !
Thank God, that there are some people on the planet that understood this film for its purpose, to show the intimate and spiritual side of life that is so sadly lacking in the... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jubbahey
Control vs freedom
Professor Keating (Robin Williams) a newly arrived teacher inspires his students to learn through discovery and clashes with the authoritarian school establishment. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Steven Unwin
Bright stars
In the heart of more prolific days, Peter Weir directed this bold anti-establishment gem, starring a conspicuously reined-back Robin Williams as the unorthodox English teacher John... Read more
Published 12 months ago by R. J. Harvey
Carpe Diem & The Punk Rock Movie.
Dead Poets Society is directed by Peter Weir (Picnic At Hanging Rock/Gallipoli) and stars Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Kurtwood Smith, Gale Hansen & Norman... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Spike Owen
Make your life extroadinary, Watch this!
I actually only saw this movie for the first time five months ago and I loved it! I had to buy it, it came very quickly so I had it for christmas. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sarah G!
Captain, my captain
"Dead Poets Society" is, of course, a classic. Here in Sweden, it's probably one of the most popular American movies. At least it used to be. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Ashtar Command
"Oh captain, my captain"
Robin Williams may have walked away with an Oscar here - and quite rightly so. But here the stars for me are the remaining actors. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Jeph Hammel
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