Critic Reviews
| 100 |
San Francisco Chronicle
Judy Stone
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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| 100 |
Mr. Showbiz
Rick Schultz
One of Australian director Peter Weir's most sensitive films.
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| 100 |
The New Yorker
The picture draws out the obvious and turns itself into a classic. [26 June 1989]
|
| 90 |
Washington Post
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.
|
| 90 |
The New Republic
Nothing about this film sounds, as described, novel. Yet it grips, because it has been made with plentiful feeling and vigor. [June 26, 1989]
|
| 90 |
Variety
Staff (Not credited)
Sings whenever Williams is onscreen.
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| 80 |
Washington Post
It's a literate though strained uplifter.
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| 80 |
Los Angeles Times
Commands respect and affection. [2 June 1989, Calendar, p.6-1]
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| 75 |
USA Today
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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| 75 |
Chicago Tribune
A refreshing if obvious drama. [9 June 1989, Friday, p.A]
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| 70 |
Time
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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| 50 |
Chicago Sun-Times
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.
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| 50 |
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
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.
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| 50 |
TV Guide
Staff (not credited)
Nicely shot with a good youthful cast.
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