Dead Poets Society

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]

Mr. Showbiz Rick Schultz

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

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.