Dead Poets Society - PG

Robin Williams in dramatic role as teacher to troubled boys.

Rating: PG for emotional intensity Studio: Touchstone Pictures Directed By: Peter Weir Cast: Ethan Hawke, Robin Williams Running Time: 128 minutes Release Date: 03/04/2002 Genre: Drama

Common Sense Note

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. Still, parents should know that one of the lead boys commits suicide off-screen.

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

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Randy White

Robin William's eccentric character has an interesting take on why poets write poetry: "To woo women!" This thrills his teenage charges. It also inspired one twelve-year-old viewer to holler "yeah!" at the screen. The catch phrases "carpe diem" (seize the day) and Thoreau's "suck the marrow out of life," were equally well received.

Older kids fall hard for this coming-of-age drama; they love the way it challenges them to think for themselves. The story also tugs at their heartstrings. They get to know the boys--their loves, their goals, and their fears. They root for the characters, wanting them to achieve their dreams (one boy wants to play the sax, another wants to become an actor). They love watching the characters develop from reserved boys to vivacious young men, able to express their desires.

At the same time, the twelve-year-old viewer was very upset when one of the boys, believing his dream will remain unfulfilled, chooses to take his own life.

Despite Robin William's fine (if a tad cloying) performance, the movie belongs to the boys, and the ensemble cast of young male actors is up to the task. The movie also has a spell-casting ambiance, especially in the cave scenes.

Brendan Fraser's School Ties explores bigotry amongst a similar well-to-do set. For another "teacher inspires students" story--this time with students from the other side of the tracks--check out the excellent Stand And Deliver.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content One of the teens shows a (somewhat obscured) Playboy centerfold.
Violence Fisticuffs. One of the lead boys commits suicide off-screen.
Language Mild.
Message
	Social Behavior Only white students attend the exclusive boys' school.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco The teens smoke pipes and drink as symbols of self-expression.