This is a very touching movie. Certain scenes, dialogues are
truly unforgettable.
The story revolves around a group of students of a high
class preparatory American school. And how they find a new way to look at life,
from their interaction with the new eccentric English teacher.
At its essence this movie is about questioning the norms of
society. Questioning how we seem to have become a race of narrow minded, stiff
prudes. And the story tries to convey the foolishness of being so unnecessarily
hard on ourselves, when our lives are so fleeting.
The students Neil Perry, Todd Anderson, Knox Overstreet and
Charlie Dalton are very real characters. Somehow you can see in them that
spirit of what being young feels like. And this is true for a viewer of all
ages.
Then of course, there is Robin Williams as Mr. John Keating,
the English teacher. All I can say is that you cannot watch this movie, without
being enchanted by his eccentric character. There is a scene at the very start,
where Mr.Keating tells the students to seize the day. Carpe Diem. From this scene onwards, you get truly hooked to the
movie.
Also the whole mood of students rebelling is captured really
well.
To touch briefly on the movie title, Dead Poets society is a
club that Mr.Keating had created during his time in the school. And the young
students decide to start it again. The introductory passage of the club
meetings is quite moving. As is a lot of poetry in the film.
Something else you enjoy seeing is the little changes that
happen in the students.
It’s sweet to see how Knox Overstreet tries to woo Chris(A
girl. Contrary to what the name may suggest). How Todd Anderson finds a little
courage inside him. How Neil Perry tries to pursue his acting ambitions. And
how Charlie goes a little crazy.
Neil’s death is one of the cruelest twists of this
movie. Possibly what the film makers
wanted to show, was how this world is filled with people who are unable to handle
their dreams being crushed. And that it takes real courage to live the life that Mr.Keating speaks of.
Towards the end we see how the administration fixes the blame
of Neil’s death on Mr.Keating. They have perhaps tried to show how anyone who
challenges the system suffers.
However the film’s end brings us some hope. Most of the
students in class defy the principal and stand on their desks to bid farewell
to Mr.Keating. Now these students were forced into signing a letter that got
Mr.Keatings removed.
But in spite of all that they stood on their desks that day.
That’s how I feel changes in society begin. Not through a
march of violent protestors. But through a person who holds onto a thought in
his/her head, even when the rest of the world tells them otherwise.
And this thought remains in their minds and hearts, waiting
for an opportune moment to spring out.
For those who haven’t seen this movie as yet, a treat
awaits. And for those who have, watch it again when you start feeling life
getting too serious.
Lastly as Mr.Keating said, “Medicine, law, business,
engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But
poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
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