 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dead Poets Society
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
Inspiring, intense story of a teacher and his students.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has very uplifting messages especially for teens about seizing the day and embracing poetry as a way toward thinking for yourself and positive self-expression. But it also deals with the suicide of one of the main characters (the gunshot isn't shown, but the parents are shown holding their son afterward, hysterical). Everyone smokes a lot (mostly a reflection of the time mixed with teen rebellion) and one main character drinks shots at a high school party.
What's the story?
Teens attending one of the most prestigious preparatory schools in the country aren't prepared for the new English teacher Mr. Keating (Robin Williams). He encourages these future doctors and lawyers with pushy parents to think for themselves and "seize the day!" He also subtly encourages the boys to form the Dead Poets Society. They sneak out at night repeatedly to read poetry and bond over girls they like and the pressures they face. It's all healthy fun until Charlie (Gale Hansen) taunts the school with hints of their activities, leading to a full inquiry. But that's only the start of the trouble Mr. Keating and the Dead Poets Society faces.
Is it any good?
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).
Despite Robin William's fine (if a tad cloying) performance, the movie belongs to the boys, and the ensemble cast of young male actors (including Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, and Robert Sean Leonard) is up to the task. The movie also has a spell-casting ambiance, especially in the cave scenes.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about poetry. Did this movie inspire you to read more, be more creative, or even "seize the day"?
What movies inspire you? Why? What about teachers?
Families can also talk about Neil, his oppressive father, and his irreversible decision. What help is out there for those contemplating the same actions? What are the warning signs that someone needs help?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
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AGE
"SIEZE THE DAY"
im in my last year of high school and watched this movie for english. while it may be boring it also has a good message. the message is that you shouldn't let others rule your life. you should think for yourself and learn to "sieze the day". it is not a movie i would choose to watch again but i reccomend you think of those aroung you who are ruled by others and help them to "sieze the day". the movie is best for people from 14-40 i think. :)
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AGE
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+
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Kid, 12 years old
July 8, 2010
AGE
As mentioned before, this encourages youth to connect with their dreams. Ideally, the young men and women would seek a deeper connection with their parents by trying to understand their hopes for them. Robin Williams character encourages them to do things behind their parents and leaders backs. Youth is all about challenging our inner and outer limits, but it must be done within reason.
Was this review useful?
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AGE
As mentioned before, this encourages youth to connect with their dreams. Ideally, the young men and women would seek a deeper connection with their parents by trying to understand their hopes for them. Robin Williams character encourages them to do things behind their parents and leaders backs. Youth is all about challenging our inner and outer limits, but it must be done within reason.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 8, 2010
AGE
As mentioned before, this encourages youth to connect with their dreams. Ideally, the young men and women would seek a deeper connection with their parents by trying to understand their hopes for them. Robin Williams character encourages them to do things behind their parents and leaders backs. Youth is all about challenging our inner and outer limits, but it must be done within reason.
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AGE
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...
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AGE
Emotionally a little tough
This movie has suicide in it. It's not graphic or anything, but emotionally it's hard to deal with. Something to consider, for the more sensitive children. But I really like this movie. Good for teens. It has good themes about being true to one's self and loyal.
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AGE
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.
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| Topics: | friendship, high school |
| Studio: | Touchstone Pictures |
| Director: | Peter Weir |
| Cast: | Dylan Kussman, Ethan Hawke, Robin Williams |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 128 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 4, 2002 |
| DVD release date: | March 4, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | emotional intensity |
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