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Dead Poets Society
EMAILPRINTTouchstone/Buena Vista Pictures
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 61 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie >
Movie Info
Genre(s): Drama
Written by: Tom Schulman
Directed by: Peter Weir
Release Date:
Theatrical: June 16, 1989
DVD: November 10, 1998
Running Time: 128 minutes, Color
Origin: USA
Summary
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).
Also On Metacritic
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Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database
What The Critics Said
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...
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.
Read Full Review >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]
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 61 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.
