Dead Poets Society | 1989

Rating: ★★★★★

Watched @ home

Keywords

• Tears

• Nostalgic

• Society

• Incredible

AI Summary

Dead Poets Society (1989) is a drama set in a conservative all-boys prep school. Robin Williams stars as John Keating, an unconventional English teacher who inspires his students to embrace independent thinking, challenge authority, and pursue their passions. Through his influence, a group of students form the "Dead Poets Society," a secret club where they celebrate poetry and self-expression. The film explores themes of conformity, personal freedom, and the impact of mentorship, leading to a tragic yet transformative ending.

My thoughts

After watching the movie The Holdover, I told my partner about how it reminded me of the Dead Poets Society. He said something absolutely shocking.... he had no idea what I was talking about. I couldn't believe it, my very own partner had no idea about a movie as iconic as Dead Poets Society. He didn't really have an interest in watching it either, so we watched it later that day.

I instantly saw that he enjoyed the storyline of the movie, even if the movie is constantly about poetry, which he doesn't enjoy as much as he should.

He kept asking me, "Why is this movie so iconic?" He didn't understand. I told him to keep watching; the movie isn't over yet. But, honestly, I also couldn't point my finger at it at that point; we were only halfway into the movie, and I couldn't remember the plot.

I do enjoy the casting, the storyline, the script, and the relationship between all the characters, and I really enjoyed that some of the characters had their own small storyline. The closeness of these boys in a boarding school is something I envy; it's something I hope my own children get to experience one day. The way it builds character and friendships for life is one hell of an opportunity. That all the boys had incredible controlling parents who were barely involved in their lives was, however, very difficult to watch.

My partner had asked me, "Will someone die in this movie?" When we were halfway into the movie, I told him to keep watching. But, again, I couldn't remember; I wouldn't know who would die. Not until the moment Neil stepped out of his bed and opened his windows. It was so symbolic, he sucked the last marrow life had to offer and left it at that.

Tears flowed, and a huge lump filled my throat. I didn't want my partner to notice as I wanted him to experience the moment, and afterward, it doesn't seem like he felt much. Anyhow, that doesn't matter; this is my blog, and I felt it. I felt so sad for Neil his parents, but so angry at their lack of love and ignorance towards their child's need to be heard and understood.

The movie reminded me of how important it is to "seize the day" and live your dreams and love the people who do, no matter your own hopes and dreams for that person.

*Edit I have to admit that the relationship between Todd and Neil wasn't as intriguing to me as to when I started reading about the movie. I do not have many opinions about it; I am not 100% convinced they were a "to-be" love story, and I also do not think the writer intended to have it seem that way. I do, however, think that the relationship between Todd and Neil is relatable for a lot of boys struggling in the same ways, silently, and have a friend with whom they can be vulnerable. The fact that pop culture wants to believe they were gay is, in my opinion, the wrong take; it proves all the young boys' points when they say being vulnerable will make them be viewed as gay.