story of an English teacher who inspires his students with poetry. Produced on a budget

of $16-million, the PG-rated film would score four Oscar nominations, and $220 million in

profit. In his second nominated performance, Robin Williams is graceful as the kind, patient,

and motivational leader... who instructs his adolescent troops to "make life extraordinary",

and "seize the day." Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, John Charles, and a dozen other

young actors make up the group of prep school students at the elite Welton Academy, who

overcome their hesitations and begin craving everything life has to offer... by throwing

parties, reading sonnets, and reveling in each other's camaraderie. Weir even had the

young actors all room together during production, to strengthen their on-screen chemistry. And

it certainly worked, their charm and eagerness make their characters easy, and believable

to root for. Meanwhile, Norman Lloyd and Kurtwood Smith play older gentlemen, who despite being

reasonable in their own actions, only serve as an obstacle for the growing desires of

the teens. A confrontational scene between Leonard and Smith, as father and son, is particularly

powerful, bordering on difficult-to-watch a times. It's easy to empathize with the dutiful

child, afraid to disappoint a loving father who doesn't understand what his son really

wants. It goes without saying that both individuals give brilliant performances in that scene,

as well. The unrushed narrative unwinds throughout a single-school year, as we learn more and

more about these interesting and nuanced characters. Without any showy cinematography, action scenes,

or memorable music... the entire 128-minute picture rests on its writing and characters:

and thankfully, the film more than excels here. This is light-hearted, but serious look

at adolescence, self-discovery, and challenging authority. The marvelous script gives us insight

into their fictional lives, but what makes the film stand out is how it allows, and practically

asks the audience to reflect on their own lives. The qualities these men embody will

surely resonate... when you wonder if you're doing enough to make your own life extraordinary.

A wonderful, moving, and uplifting experience that should be required viewing for all students,

I loved this film when I first saw it in my early twenties... and still do today. "Dead

Poets Society" only gets better with age, and I strongly consider it to be an AWESOME

film.