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Dead Poets Society

(2002, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Ethan Hawke, Robin Williams, Dylan Kussman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Spell-casting film of a teacher to troubled boys.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Only white students attend the exclusive boys' school.
  • Violence:

    Fisticuffs. One of the lead boys commits suicide off-screen.
  • Sex:

    One of the teens shows a (somewhat obscured) Playboy centerfold.
  • Language:

    Mild.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The teens smoke pipes and drink as symbols of self-expression.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Dead Poets Society

Parents need to know the movie celebrates the power of language, and may induce a love of reading, poetry, and theater. Kids are encouraged to think for themselves and pursue their dreams. One of the lead boys commits suicide off-screen.

Read our full review by Randy White

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the pressures kids face and what would drive someone to take their own life.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    okay...

    this movie was really good, ill admit. but it really made me think about suicide. it may be very triggering. and i cried 4 like 30 mins. jus thinkin bout how bad life really is. but sum people might lke it...

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Gripping personal story

    This story is inspiring and intense. Adolescence is trying time of change, uncertainty, growth and confusion. All of these elements are represented in this story. I would say that this movie gives parents an opportunity to open a discussion with there adolescent child about many of the issues that they will be experiencing in the coming years and how as parents we can be a guiding hand even as we begin to let go. This story takes a shocking turn but that only adds to the intensity of the underlying message.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Inspiring and Great

    Dead Poets Society is a great film. Robin Williams gives a great performance, and it is inspiring and interesting. Good for kids 13+

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    What a wonderful film for kids to see in this day and age!

    Everytiem I see this fine coming of age film I am more impressed with the lesson it can show to pre-teens and teens of our time. Although what was "racy" in 1959 seems timid today, the lessons of being yourself, valuing education, repsecting others and having faith in yourslef are timeless.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

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