Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

"Most men live lives of quiet desperation." This is my favorite quote by John Keating in the whole movie. Perhaps it is the truth that is spoken from the very soul that strikes such a chord in me. Perhaps it does not have the same impact as "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day" yet the very essence of that quote speaks throughout the generations.

The story of Dead Poets Society is classic but perhaps not ever told as well as it has been in this movie. It is a story of a teacher who dares to break with the convention of a strict boarding school by teaching seventeen year old boys to think for themselves. He encourages them to find a sense of self worth and free thinking within themselves. It is through this that he becomes beloved amongst his pupils and at odds with the school that was determined to mold future Ivy Leaguers.

At the same time, the story line has the underlying sense of elitism in modern day America. This is most definitively illustrated in the few conversations between one of the main characters, Neil Perry and his father. Mr. Perry wants his son to become a doctor though Neil feels that this is something he does not want to do. His aptitude for acting and writing is largely dismissed by his father as ridiculous. Perhaps this is because of the innate fear of Mr. Perry of in some way through his son returning to the lower echelons of society. Instead of allowing Neil to live his life as he sees fit and providing proper direction, Mr. Perry instead controls through his actions and words, the inevitability of Neil's destiny.

Todd Anderson's story line meshes well with that of Neil's. He lives in fear of having a voice of his own due to living in the shadows of his valedictorian brother who can seem to do no wrong. It is through his behavior we see a young man trapped by the inability to give voice to his thoughts and opinions and instead retreats behind the silent void of his own private wall. However, throughout the movie, he is coaxed into gentle metamorphosis by Mr. Keating...and in the end, we see a man who is not merely a name but a personality.

There are couple of other characters, Knox Overstreet and Charles Dalton (Nwanda) who add to the interest of the storyline. Nwanda (as he is better known as) is a man of his own right with a will of his own. He is an original in his fearlessness to be different. His character shines through in one scene of the movie when Mr. Keating encourages his students to have a walk of their own. While everyone else is finding their own walk, Nwanda merely leans on the wall and states, "Exercising the right not to walk." This might have sounded a bit shallow or rebellious, however, that one statement is shown in various ways in his actions throughout the movie.

Knox Overstreet is a character that chooses to "seize the day" when he decides he is in love with a girl who belongs to another. He seizes upon every opportunity to show that he is who she belongs with. In the end it is a case of "may the best man win" and win he does.

Dead Poets Society is a wonderful movie and I would encourage anyone with half a brain to watch it. It is the study of the human determination and spirit in the every day events we call life. The development of the main characters were quite extraordinary and the film evokes many a powerful and emotional feeling. The movie is a colorful and in depth portrayal of the quiet struggles of ordinary people. There is much more to be said for this film but I would rather encourage you to watch for yourself.

Thank you for reading and good day to you all.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12