This film has lost none of its power since it was made nearly thirty years ago. It took me nearly a week to get over it, repeating "They're only actors" to myself, over and over. It poignantly demonstrates the tragic consequences when the unstoppable force of imagination and creativity meets the immovable object of the establishment. You watch this and you think of the four students shot and killed in a peaceful demonstration at Ohio University, you think of flowers placed in the guns of armed soldiers, you think of the hopes of so many young talented sons and daughters dashed on the rocks of indifference and militarism. This is beautifully and sensitively played out. What a great soul we have lost with Robin Williams.
A captivating and memorable drama. A fulfilling film that has Robin Williams giving one of his best performances. Set in 1959 in an American Preparatory School for Boys. Focused on tradition, discipline and conformity this is a school where wealthy Americans send their sons to prepare them for university and future careers often chosen for them by their parents obsessed with status. A group of senior boys return for their final year including Neil (Robert Sean Leonard) and shy Todd (Ethan Hawke). Neil walks in fear of his domineering father (Kurtwood Smith) who controls the activities his son participates in and stops anything of which he disapproves. They are therefore unprepared for their new English Literature teacher, Mr Keating (Williams), who has unconventional teaching methods and focuses on bringing out the passions and potential of the boys. Neil especially is motivated to pursue his love of acting against the wishes of his father. The boys begin to find a new zest and excitement in life and the future following Keating's encouragement to "Carpe Diem. Seize the day, Boys. Make your lives extraordinary" but tragedy will affect them all. A beautiful film, a coming of age story that utilises the wondrous colour palettes of the New England Autumn and Winter. It's a tale of love, ambition and joy and whilst there is sadness it's also an uplifting film. A must see.