Dead Poets Society

Deep in the crevices of New England are several pre-Ivy league facilities. They are an old tradition, generally populated by young men who are being forced to live out their parent's expectations and dreams.

Going to one of these elite institutes of education (to call it a mere school would be insulting) ensures a grand future, if not least a chance to attend the likes of Harvard or Princeton.

Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke at his weepy eyed best) is worried. His brother had been a Valedictorian at Welton, the fictional Vermont Prep school the movie centers around. Shy and withdrawn, he feels shadowed by his brother's former glory, and is nothing like his handsome, infectiously friendly roommate, Neil Perry.

Neil is one of those people who can be described as a generally good person. His life is mapped out by his domineering father, yet he has a twinkle of freedom in his eyes and has spent his life trying to please his strict parent. Now he is finding he wants the kind of joy one doesn't get from following orders and pleasing others.

Neil introduces Todd to his circle of friends; puppy-eyed Knox, buddies Steven, Gerard, and Charlie. Also, for some inexplicable reason, weasel Richard Cameron - the token Judas in a band of friends.

John Keating (Robin Williams) is the new English professor (you see, in College Prep, you just don't call them teachers). He is different than the other teachers. Young, a former student and not very traditional, he stands out, but in a proud way. Being himself seems to be the reason he decided to teach at Welton, to save the young men he is teaching from the destructive jaws of conformity. He innocently leaves a copy of a book from back in his days, a secret club; 'The Dead Poets Society'- in the desk of Neil, hoping that the boys will carry on the society and become something far more important than a grand lawyer, or doctor - themselves.

You will cheer quietly as you see the boys embark on this journey, however, as in any path to discovery, there are rocks. Neil forges his father's signature on a permission slip so he can experience acting in a play, Knox sneaks away from school to pursue a girl who is dating a family friend's son, and the boys meet in the dark of night for their meetings. Massively forbidden behavior at Welton.

Then things get very dark. A confrontation between Neil and his father results in severely tragic events and the dismissal of Keating as a professor. The friends find themselves forced to betray their beloved mentor and then you sit and wonder what the point is?

The point of the entire movie is summed up in a few words 'oh captain, my captain' and stand for (literally) what Todd and what the Society had learned. And then you realize, that despite the tragedy, these boys will be better for the experience.