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Dead Poets Society
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Judy Stone
    100
    Hurrah! Poetry and passion, comedy and tragedy are fused into one absolutely marvelous affirmation of independent spirit in Dead Poets Society. [2 June 1989, Daily Notebook, p.E1]
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  2. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Rick Schultz
    100
    One of Australian director Peter Weir's most sensitive films.
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  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Pauline Kael
    100
    The picture draws out the obvious and turns itself into a classic. [26 June 1989]
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  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    90
    Sings whenever Williams is onscreen.
  5. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    90
    Sure, the heroes and villains are arranged in a convenient moral gallery. But the performances, Weir's adroit direction and John Seale's superb cinematography take care of that banality.
  6. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    90
    Nothing about this film sounds, as described, novel. Yet it grips, because it has been made with plentiful feeling and vigor. [June 26, 1989]
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  7. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    80
    Commands respect and affection. [2 June 1989, Calendar, p.6-1]
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  8. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Rita Kempley
    80
    It's a literate though strained uplifter.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    75
    A refreshing if obvious drama. [9 June 1989, Friday, p.A]
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  10. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    75
    Williams is impressively restrained as well as funny, so fans need not fret. It only means that instead of Good Morning, Preppies, we're given a bittersweet, even eerie Goodbye, Mr. Hip. [2 June 1989, Life, p.1D]
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  11. Time
    Reviewed by: Richard Schickel
    70
    Williams, who has comparatively little screen time, has come to act, not to cut comic riffs, and he does so with forceful, ultimately compelling, simplicity. [June 5, 1989]
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  12. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    50
    Not the worst of the countless recent movies about good kids and hidebound, authoritatian older people. It may, however, be the most shameless in its attempt to pander to an adolescent audience.
  13. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Rick Groen
    50
    Beneath the polished surface, Dead Poets Society is moribund at the core - too pat, too safe and too hypocritical, as conformist as the conformity it so easily decries.
  14. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (not credited)
    50
    Nicely shot with a good youthful cast.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 42
  3. Negative: 1 out of 42
  1. grandpajoe6191
    8
    Although "Dead Poets Society" copies the original book with no prominent changes, It still lives as a classic movie.
  2. Halfwelshman
    7
    I must admit, Dead Poets Society has been slightly ruined for me by the numerous parodies and references to it both on TV and in films over the years. I guess it's my own fault for not seeing it sooner. It hinges on a fantastic central performance by Robin Williams, playing Mr. Keating, the physical embodiment of everyone's perfect teacher. He teaches a subject many would find dull, poetry, in unorthodox ways, not through reading from textbooks and note-taking, but through fun exercises and physical activity, and unlike the rest of the prep school teachers, he genuinely cares for his students. The cast of young actors playing Keating's students that re-form the titular Dead Poets Society that Keating founded in his youth, all do their part, but of particular note is Ethan Hawke's captivating break-out role as the painfully shy and troubled Todd Anderson. His characterisation results in one of the best scenes in the film, where Mr. Keating puts Todd on the spot and forces him to improvise a poem in front of his class, and through doing so, cures Todd of his crippling lack of confidence. The story does take a little while to get going, and the overall running time of the film feels a little gruelling, though the final act is superb. What surprised, and disappointed me the most about Dead Poets Society, considering how etched into popular culture it has become, is how little it actually had to say. There's only so far you can take the "seize the day" moral - Keating's students may be encouraged to have fun and enjoy life, but what happens when they all sit their exams, when they realise their teacher has taught them much about life, but not a whole lot they than actually apply to their studies? (Unless they plan to stand on their desk as a protest to archaic teaching methods for the rest of their education). It's a pleasant fantasy that you can get through school and university, and achieve your ambitions simply by living life to the full, but not a realistic one. Though if you're just looking for a pleasant bit of fantasy escapism with good performances, plenty of humour and heart, then look no further than Dead Poets Society. Though director Peter Weir has done far more intelligent, brilliant films since (The Truman Show, Master and Commander), it was this twee little comedy-drama that introduced him to the mainstream, and allowed his Hollywood career to blossom.… Full Review »
  3. Spielberg00
    9
    There's absolutely no question as to why DEAD POETS SOCIETY was nominated for Best Picture in 1989. Truly, if it weren't for the fact that a few critics thought Robin Williams should have just gone back to comedies (an absolutely idiotic statement, in my opinion, though I can see a slight bit of their reasoning), this would have easily won the award. "Carpe diem; seize the day, boys!" If that one quote is remembered centuries from now, don't expect me to be at all surprised. DEAD POETS SOCIETY was like a tragic, sometimes witty drama that is one of Robin Williams' best yet.… Full Review »
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