Dead Poets Society

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2:35

Dead Poets Society

PG

Released Jun 2, 1989

2h 8m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

65 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating's help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.

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Critics Consensus

Affecting performances from the young cast and a genuinely inspirational turn from Robin Williams grant Peter Weir's prep school drama top honors.

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Kurt Jacobsen

Chicago Reader

We never are privy to Keatings’s personal life, nor do we quite grasp why such a talented individual is devoted to pedagogy.

Rated: 1/4

May 11, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

A refreshing if obvious drama.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 23, 2017

Full Review

Hank Gallo

New York Daily News

On the surface Robin Williams appears to be giving his standard performance as Prof. Keating - witty, sincere and lovable. But there's much more here.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 1, 2016

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Though it’s marginally overlong, the script is absorbing.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 16, 2024

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

It's extremely manipulative but it still works

Aug 28, 2024

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Lyric Waiwiri-Smith

Stuff.co.nz

An achingly beautiful story of high school boys who give up the guards of their masculinity and family expectations to believe in something beautiful and real.

Oct 28, 2022

Full Review

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Audience Member

Great, sad, beautiful, film. Deserves a watch. As a student who goes to a Catholic high school I too struggle with some of the topics portrayed throughout the movie and it is relatable what they do and how they act. It's feels almost nostalgic for how closely related it is to my life.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

Full Review

Shaun B

Peter Weir has made many terrific movies. This ain't one of them. Very difficult to give a toss about any of the over privileged,dull so called students.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/11/24

Full Review

Thomas R

Through great acting, achingly attaching characters and some well-dosed philosophy, the film manages to turn your average high-school/boys-band drama into something actually touching and worth the watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

Full Review

Juliette G

I have never heard a word against dead poets society. It's the most beautiful film I've ever watched. It hs such a good message and it can literally change lives. It delves into poetry and romance and also touches upon mental health, something that in its time of release did not have enough awareness surrounding ti as it really should. The acting is amazing throughout and I have such strong feelings towards each of the characters if its hatred (like to Mr Perry) or if it's adoration (like to Charlie or Nuwanda) It's literally an amazing and flawless film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/05/24

Full Review

Brian S

The first 80% is a bit cringey and slow. The last 20% is good.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/25/24

Full Review

Luca S

Très bon film, pas si facile que ça a re regarder mais beaucoup d'émotion et un beau message

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/21/24

Full Review

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Peter Weir

Director

Robin Williams

John Keating

Robert Sean Leonard

Neil Perry

Ethan Hawke

Todd Anderson

Josh Charles

Knox Overstreet

Gale Hansen

Charlie Dalton

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Dead Poets Society: Trailer 1

2:35

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Synopsis

A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating's help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.

Director: Peter Weir
Producer: Steven Haft, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas
Screenwriter: Tom Schulman
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures, Touchstone Home Video
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 2, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $94.5M
Runtime: 2h 8m
Sound Mix: Surround, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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