Common Sense Media Review
Inspiring, intense story of a teacher and his students.
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Dead Poets Society
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is a heartfelt exploration of students' struggles against parental expectations, emphasizing self-discovery and the importance of support and understanding from parents. While it presents valuable life lessons and inspiring performances, particularly from Robin Williams, it also contains mature themes, including suicide and familial pressure, which may warrant parental discretion for younger viewers.
- self-discovery
- parental support
- mature themes
- inspiring performances
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 77 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a heartfelt and emotional masterpiece that deeply resonates with viewers, showcasing the struggles of adolescence, including themes of parental pressure and the importance of pursuing one's dreams. While it features powerful performances, particularly by Robin Williams, and positive messages like "carpe diem," it also deals with heavy topics such as suicide, which may not be suitable for younger audiences, prompting many to recommend it for mature teens and adults.
- emotional depth
- inspiring performances
- mature themes
- parental pressure
- heavy topic
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DEAD POETS SOCIETY, the 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 stirring 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, Dead Poets Society 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how poetry is explained and used in Dead Poets Society. Did this movie inspire you to read more, be more creative, or even "seize the day"?
Which 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?
How do the characters in Dead Poets Society demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 9, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : March 4, 2002
- Cast : Ethan Hawke , Robin Williams , Robert Sean Leonard
- Director : Peter Weir
- Studio : Touchstone Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : emotional intensity
- Last updated : April 10, 2026
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