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Dead Poets Society
Touchstone/Buena Vista Pictures


8.4

based on 14 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 57 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie

FILM:

Internet Movie Database

MPAA RATING: PG

Starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, and James Waterston

Robin Williams stars as John Keating, an unconventional teacher at a conservative New England prep school who inspires his students and encourages them with the rallying call "carpe diem" (seize the day).

GENRE(S):	Drama
WRITTEN BY:	Tom Schulman
DIRECTED BY:	Peter Weir
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: November 10, 1998 Video: December 26, 1995 Theatrical: June 16, 1989
RUNNING TIME:	128 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

Received a 1990 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for three additional Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor).

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

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]

100

Mr. Showbiz Rick Schultz

One of Australian director Peter Weir's most sensitive films.

100

The New Yorker Pauline Kael

The picture draws out the obvious and turns itself into a classic. [26 June 1989]

Washington Post Desson Thomson

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.

The New Republic Stanley Kauffmann

Nothing about this film sounds, as described, novel. Yet it grips, because it has been made with plentiful feeling and vigor. [June 26, 1989]

Variety Staff (Not credited)

Sings whenever Williams is onscreen.

Washington Post Rita Kempley

It's a literate though strained uplifter.

Los Angeles Times Michael Wilmington

Commands respect and affection. [2 June 1989, Calendar, p.6-1]

USA Today Mike Clark

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]

Chicago Tribune Gene Siskel

A refreshing if obvious drama. [9 June 1989, Friday, p.A]

Time Richard Schickel

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]

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

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.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Rick Groen

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.

TV Guide Staff (not credited)

Nicely shot with a good youthful cast.

The average user rating for this movie is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 57 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Rachel gave it a10:
It is probably the most influential movie I've seen in my life. I was truly inspired to change. Everyone should see it. CARPE DIEM!

Nat N. gave it a10:
Extremly good movie that explores our deepest desires and the situations that get in our way.

Katarina J. gave it a9:
Very Good Movie! Well done! Great acting and alot of great actors.

Larisse I. gave it a10:
This story is the best! Especially for those people that are still studying that are having great pressure at their academics. You have to watch this film!! It can help you realize things about your life especially in your studies.

Cheyenne C. gave it a10:
Carpe diem-all!!

Lacie Z. gave it a9:
Great movie....Beginning had me thinking it would be horrible, but i kept and open mind and it enden up being awsome. It is a very inspiring film and it it send out a strong message about the dangers of conformity. i absolutly loved it.

Pedro A. gave it a10:
Iv'e seen thins movie dozens of times and on all of them the magic is allways there.

Dead Poets Society Touchstone/Buena Vista Pictures

Dead Poets Society
Touchstone/Buena Vista Pictures