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Dead Poets Society

Play trailer 2:35 Poster for Dead Poets Society PG Released Jun 2, 1989 2h 8m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society

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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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Critics Reviews

View All (65) Critics Reviews
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 Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) It's extremely manipulative but it still works Aug 28, 2024 Full Review 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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
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 Victor B Truly a work of art. This is definitely in my top 3 movies of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/17/24 Full Review Sebastian L It's hard to find a flaw in this masterfully crafted coming-of-age story. The character count might be a hurdle at first, but before you know it you've gotten to know them like friends. Scripts like this haven't existed in Hollywood for many years. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/16/24 Full Review Ari D This movie absolutely made me rethink my life, carpe diem! although not a popular film it remains in the quality of the script and in the performance. The ending is shaking and it emphasize the film's message, John Keating is certainly a teacher I'd love to have. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/16/24 Full Review Nick R A very well written screenplay with plenty of great performances, especially the inspiring Robin Williams. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/14/24 Full Review Pasquale M O CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/13/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Dead Poets Society

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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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