The prestigious all boys academy is kept under a strict regimen, keeping well within the respectful rules of America in the 1950s. However things are thrown into disarray when a new teacher, Mr Keating (Robin Williams) arrives, bringing with him his ideas of free thinking. He encourages his students to call him “ Oh Captain, My Captain” if they feel daring, after one of the poems he loves. His arrival sparks a flame inside of seven of his students and they resurrect the Dead Poet’s Society, a secret club of which Mr Keating used to be a member. During these meetings the boys fall in love with the romanticism of poetry, and begin to explore themselves and reassess their values.

One of Mr Keating’s students Neil is passionate about acting, but his father is adamant about him having a career in medicine. When he lands the main role in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ his father reacts by withdrawing him from Welton and enrolling his in Braxton Military School. Neil is unable to express his passion for acting to his father, so he deals with his feelings in the ultimate way, with devastating consequences.

This film was sensational, with a great cast. Robin Williams leans away from his usual comedy routine and goes for a more serious film, but he delivers it well. Dead Poets Society is set in Vermont, with the misty surrounds helping develop the feeling of secrecy during the darker scenes. The music plays a huge part as well, and there are symbolic meanings in many of the scenes.

This film was deeply moving, and I recommend it to those who enjoy dramas with beautiful scenery and a poetic feel.
I found Dead Poets Society to be a stirring film, with the idea of “Carpe Deum” (Latin for “Seize the day”) inspiring and forcing me to think about my future.