According to Ethan Hawke, Todd, this was his first big film. He was so intimidated by Robin and really introverted. Robin really teased him throughout filming. Ethan thought he hated him. However, shortly after filming he gets a call from Robin's agent and he said that Robin called him and told him that he needed to sign this amazing young actor. RIP Robin.❤

"Meeks... another unusual name." In a school that emphasizes so much pressure and conformity, right out of the gate he is making them feel as unique individuals. This theme is present throughout the entire movie. I see this movie every few years and catch something new every time.

The last scene is so powerful. I loved that the director/book didn't have the entire class stand on their desks symbolizing that in any group setting; there will be those who will find the courage to go against conformity and stand up for what they believe. And in contrast there will also be those in that same group setting who are just too afraid and can't or won't stand up for what they believe.

This film is maybe my favourite ever. I love how each character expresses their new found creativity in different ways. Newanda through identity, Todd through writing, Neil through acting, and Knox through love. Each character has a unique awakening and I feel that really highlights what “coming of age” really means.

Let me just pour one out for the late great legend, Robin Williams!

When Robin Williams passed I sought a dvd of this and found a rather expensive copy on Amazon. I noticed with pleasure that there was extras on it, directors commentary etc. and a section whereby they interviewed a lot of the cast 10 years after its making asking what part this movie played in their career. Kurtwood Smith (the actor boys father who represssed him) said he's often asked why he acts. He said he tells them when the premiere came round one of his guests was a male friend who had the same relationship with his son as I did with mine in the movie. The movie played, the lights went up and his male friend was sobbing. He's seen himself and his relationship played out on the screen and from that day he swore he would change the way he treated his son, Smith said thats why I act, this stuff can and does change lives.

Nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture. Carpe Diem "Seize The Day "

This movie genuinely got me into poetry. Before I saw this, it was just words that I didn’t understand why people cared about so much. But this movie truly changed that for me. It showed me how powerful poetry could be and taught me how to allow myself to feel my emotions loudly and openly. Next time you’re on a hike, standing alone or with a friend before the beauty of the natural world, remember to release a barbaric YAWP! There’s nothing quite like it!

While I loved Robin in Good Will Hunting, and he deserved his Oscar, it is Dead Poet's Society that holds that special Robin WIlliams place in my heart.

the fact that the framing through the legs in the last shot of Todd makes it almost seem like he's standing under a spotlight on a dark stage is such a powerful image that's always stuck with me, especially considering how neil's monologue at the end of midsummer's night dream is the last time you see him truly standing up to his father before his death. there's always been a beautiful parallel there for me, like Todd (and everyone else) is carrying neil's wishes and dreams on for him

Peter Weir is such an under-appreciated director. Witness, Gallipoli, Truman Show, Master and Commander, The Way Back and Dead Poets Society, all amazing films

As a parent, my greatest joy is witnessing my children finding their passions. Neal's father deprived himself of the greatest joy a parent can experience. In the process, he helped bring about the greatest sorrow. This film should be required viewing in order to get your parenting license. If only that was a thing...

When you asked "Is [this film] gonna hit some very real topics?" and later added "Something tells me that father relationship is not done yet" I thought "Just you wait and see..." and I knew you'd both love and hate how it pans out, because of the tragic denouement. The whole film has added poignancy now we know how Williams' life ended, after he'd given us such great and varied performances like this.

this film is such an important one, I can’t sing it’s praises enough! Seeing this when I was younger changed the way I viewed life, Carpe Diem! Hope you enjoyed this one James✌️💓

I was 15 when i saw this movie in the theater-fully expecting a comedy. I wasn't expecting the life-changing, life-affirming experience i had. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Some people have a hard time with it.

was holding back tears pretty much the entire time I was watching this reaction. Robin Williams was so special. All these young actors and the writing just tells such a meaningful story about life. Thanks for sharing your reaction James

Mr. Patrick Ball, my shop teacher. Was a father to me when my father was not yet present, and classes before me. When I joined the army and came home after, he had passed from heart failure. He was a great man 🎉

I was the kid in High School who had to take the Hall Pass to dismiss themself to the bathroom so I didn't have to see what happened to Neil. I cry every time I watch this movie because I had friends who had dad's like his. Please be there for your children and let them be/do what they are meant to do❤

"These kids are going out into the world, to pursue something that they're passionate about. You know, it's a journey. It's filled with both the pleasures of passion but also the realities of life which can be just as grim. But I think the key thing out of all of that is the fact that you are able to craft your verse in this powerful play called life." Wow. Subscribed 👍

I have cried over this movie so many times. A great one.

Congrats on making it through that final scene without breaking down! I still haven’t been able to.

Dead Poets Society was filmed at St. Andrews school in Middletown, Delaware which is like 15 minutes from my house. It’s very cool to visit the campus and get reminded of the movie and how much I miss Robin Williams. Truly a masterpiece of a film.

The instant I saw this come up, I knew you would feel this movie and I had to watch it immediately! I first saw this in my high school sophomore English class. I'm sure I've seen it a hundred times since. The night that Robin Williams died, I watched this and cried my eyes out harder than maybe ever. I watch it at least once a year in remembrance. One of a kind talent from Mork from Ork to his final days.

If you get a chance, watch Much Ado About Nothing (1993). The actor who played Neil, Robert Sean Leonard, is in it. The cast is all around incredible, and it’s a great adaptation of Shakespeare. Also, Swing Kids (1993) is a really great performance from him. Excellent music, but rough story.

Such a fantastic film The Fisher King would also be a great addition to the poll.

This is such a great and underrated film! Peter Weir is a director with only 31 credits since his debut in 1977. He chooses his projects carefully, and he tapped into something special with Dead Poets Society. Just in the context of the coming of age genre, there's so much to think about in this film, it goes far beyond the nostalgia that drives the genre. This should come up in more conversations when people talk about 80s movies. People tend to talk about The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off a lot more, but I've always always thought Dead Poet's Society was better than both of those.

The writer/creator of this went to my high school in Nashville and based it on a teacher he had there. Classic

One of the most iconic closing scenes of all time for me

I watched this film when I was 20. It had a profound impact on me. The idea of "free thinking" was liberating. I am 33 now. I am glad that I watched this film at such a young age. It was a monumental event of my life.

When you said he wished he'd stood up more to the father, my mind went "he did, in Good Will Hunting..." and now my head cannon is after Welton mr. Keating changed his name to Sean Maguire and he went to get a PhD in psychology from MIT and was able to help Will the way he couldn't help Neal.

Some movies are life changing, Dead Poets Society is one of them. It's almost cliché how many movies with Robin this applies to.

Such an incredible film! I’ve watched this so many times, and cry each time. Robin Williams gives a beautiful performance. The boys give great performances, too. It’s a top-tier coming-of-age movie! O Captain! My Captain! 😭

Got me tearing up again. Truly a wonderful movie. Rest In Peace Robin Williams

Yup. This was a damn joy to watch! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day!

Peter Weir is such an under-appreciated director. He hasn’t made a bad film.

James, just want to say thank you for this community and space you've created. Always brightens my day when I can spend a little time vibing to good movies and shows with you. Much love, my guy

“The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation”

In my high school American Literature class, we watched this movie. We also had a poetry book with a terrible introduction. My teacher said we could rip it out like in Dead Poet’s Society. When we read the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” we stood on our desks.

This fllm is so amazing ... I went to a Jesuit High School and they highly recommended everyone go see this when it came out. In fact, they even rented a theatre for us to watch it.

I recommended this movie for your patreon screenwriting poll and I’m so glad you put it in the poll…and it won!!! This is one of my all time favorite films. It came out when I was 13 and I watched it often during my high school and college years. It had a major impact on me…the script and the performances. It’s brilliant, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the video.

Never thought that I'd hear anyone say that they forgot that Robin Williams had done comedy.

It took many times watching to catch onto this, but Todd found his voice, his YAWP in Neil's death while out in the snow. It is his name that gives him his voice.

Its one of those movies I think all parents should watch with their teens. Its a good opening for some serious talk that can be very important to talk about & its not always easy to find a way to talk about them but thats why I feel, this is a good point to get those talk started.

The "O Captain, My Captain" scene still makes me cry every time

This film highlights how important it is that people aren't just their profession. We really need to push the idea of the Renaissance man and woman. A person needs more than just a 9 to 5 job to survive and thrive in life.

The father was wrong but he truly loved his son. He probably had passions and gave them up to give his son everything he could and wanted him to thrive and succeed he just did not understand what he really needed.

The greatest message of the movie is never let someone else control your mind, think for yourself. And always be willing to be wrong, I think that's a problem today too many people aren't willing to be wrong.

The fact you said you found yourself not talking or reacting to scenes I think is the best most powerful reaction to this movie. What a great film to study a script to…. The language and intimacy in this film are amazing as well as the silences

I was so happy when I saw you watched this movie!! Dead Poets Society is my favorite film of all time. I'm young and it has impacted me so much. I can now basically recite the whole of the dialogue and I still cry every single time. You're my favorite James!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

I’ve heard a movie critic and an author say about setting and conflict: “The more specific it is, the more universally it will resonate with the audience. “

This was filmed near where I grew up at The St Andrews School when I was a kid and my classmate’s older brother was a student and an extra. When it came out a bunch of us went to see it as a community and of course was devastated at the end. Such a good movie and I certainly took it with me when it was my turn to head to boarding school a few years later. Also LOL at calling the Head Master John McCain, who while he did not go to St Andrews he did go to Episcopal, another boarding prep school not far away.

This is definitely one of my favorite movies. I am very much a large Robin Williams fan and admirer. It was only after I started collecting his movies after his passing when I really found his range. When he is playing the bad guy, you still feel for him. And even that is a little uncomfortable because you just normally want somebody who’s bad just to be bad and you can hate him without guilt. But with his bad guys, you really can’t. I’m sure you got this comment somewhere in these comments, but just in case you didn’t… The scene after Neil‘s passing, where all the guys were out in the snow, that scene was originally supposed to be shot inside. And they HAD shot it inside. But after the scene was done, they noticed it had started snowing outside and they thought, “what the heck, let’s try it outside and see what we get.“ So they did it again outside and we got what we got. Luckily, they were able to do it in one take because just moments after they yelled cut, it stopped snowing. I have no proof of this, but I am assuming that after Todd threw up, the other kid shoving the snow into Todd’s mouth was an ad lib. Also, the red head that justifiably got punched at the end, it was in a script that he was supposed to stand on the desk, too. But on the day of shooting, he told the Director that he really didn’t think it would be in his character’s character to stand on the desk. The Director said he was right, which is why he stayed seated. The Director also had all the boys live together for a couple of weeks prior to filming so they could get a true bond going. And also gave them movies and music to listen to from that time period to help them get into character. I thought that was pretty cool. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s definitely the top of my list. #RestInPeaceRobinWilliams #WeAreMoreAlikeThanWeAreDifferent 💙💙💙

i'm sooo happy you finally watched this movie, because it's message is SO YOU! i love this movie so much, i cried just from watching your video haha this is such an special movie

I first saw this when I was 12; first film that I ever cried at. Definitely holds a special place in my heart.

When I was in college...I was a lifegaurd at the college pool and would work early mornings. Every day an older man would swim and we'd make small talk once in a while. Come to find out it was THE GUY from this movie!! The professor Robin Williams played was a routine swimmer every morning! Never knew!! Nice guy!!

My high school offered a outdoor leadership program in lieu of traditional gym class, and this movie was part of the curriculum. Such an amazing classic. I miss Robin.

Robert Sean Leonard was fantastic with Hugh Laurie in the TV series House. I cant help but weep when he is acting in the play...because I know what's about to happen.

Robin was brilliant. His comedy and his acting had a way of being very human. He never seemed to be performing. I highly recommend One Hour Photo or Insomnia for a dark Robin in film. They are both very interesting works

The musical score by Maurice Jarr was brilliant, too. He also worked with Peter Weir on Witness. My reaction at the end when I saw the film in the theater was, "He has shepherded these boys into men." Young men now standing in their true power. Not power over, but power coming from within. Loved the movie! I saw an interview with Ethan Hawke a while back, and the host asked him if his kids had seen the movie. He said, yes, but partway through they asked, "When are you going to come on?" They did not recognize his young self at all.

this and "stand and deliver" are a staple in my high school. you're guaranteed to watch it in freshman English class.

Oh Captain my Captain

This is, was, and always will be a Top 5 greatest movie. It is sheer brilliance, and has impacted my life so beautifully. I'm eternally grateful to have experienced it many times over.

definitely a comfort film of mine - there’s definitely some small dated issues but as a whole, such a fantastic movie.

After Robin Williams died, a lot of tributes to him online led with that line - "O Captain, my Captain." Which is a poem about the death of Abraham Lincoln. The second stanza breaks my heart when I think about Robin Williams and how beloved he was: O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding, For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning; Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head! It is some dream that on the deck, You’ve fallen cold and dead. Beautiful, heartbreaking film. That ending never ceases to make me tear up.

One foot in Tomorrow Today has the rest of Me Yesterday is Fantasy -me For a poet I've surprisingly only seen this film once, thanks for the reaction 💚

Getting a mentor moment or being one (sometimes unknowing) is a rare event and all the more precious for that. I had a book or two that hit me like that, but only a few moments from schoolteachers - but those moments count. This movie got me into Whitman and allowed me to begin enjoying what I liked even if it wasn’t popular. Heartbreaking, but also heart building.

I recently discovered your show and rated it 9.99999 out of 10. I will definitely be returning to watch more episodes soon. As a 76-year-old white man, I want to assure you that not all of us are bad. 😊 appreciate your insightful analysis and the fact that you don't talk too much, which is a great quality in a host.😊

When I was in high school I brought this movie into my AP English class to watch during the last week of classes when we were done with finals. The entire class was almost dead silent throughout the entire movie, I thought everyone hated it, except during the death scene the bell rang as he was walking into the room and the entire class erupted with protests about turning the movie off. People who had never talked to me before thanked me for bringing the movie in after it was over. I had absolutely no friends cuz I used to be historically a condescending bitch, so I remember that moment fondly.

This movie was so perfectly cast.

I've been waiting on this one, my man! Thanks for the upload!

Such an amazing film with all the feelings. I miss Robin Williams so much.

This film hit me so hard. It came out when I was a freshman in college, at a tough engineering school. Engineering was my passion, so I was ok, but without going into details, this just felt so familiar. In my third year I was asked if I'd like to be an extra in a ballet and I instantly said "yes". Carpe effin Diem.

Such a beautiful message, in this film and in your comments at the end. No matter how many times I see this, when they stand on their desks in solidarity with Keating at the end, brings such a swelling emotion to my heart. Carpe Diem!

In 1996, I enrolled in a community college to study Computer Science because my father expected that of me. Computer Science dealt with an insane amount of math and computer programming which weren't my favorite subjects and my grades took a nose dive to a 1.5 GPA at best. When I changed my major to Liberal Arts, my father argued with me for a month. One day, I was roaming the arts department and discovered a new curriculum in graphic arts and I changed my major to that because it appealed to me and I found my passion to becoming a graphic designer. I related to Neal a lot and still get emotional watching this film.

My calculus teacher in high school was the son of a Nobel Prize winning composer. He not only taught us calculus, but he taught us that music and mathematics often went together. So he had an annual "AP Calculus" concert in front of the whole school. I was one of the students who performed...playing piano. I always knew I wanted to be a scientist and that is what I became. But I obsessed on poetry (not the romantics portrayed here...not too into them, but T.S. Eliot, Chinese poetry, Beat poetry, etc.) and I embraced music along the way. Oh, and food! Always good food. As a teacher now, I try to expose my students to a broad view of biology. I try to make it relevant to their lives. If they can't see that what I teach is relevant to their lives then I am failing. Sadly, COVID-19 made my job easier. My kids are more likely to realize why science impacts their lives directly. I just have to break it down for them so they understand WHY it impacts them.

School Ties is around this period of time. About a Jewish boy attending a Catholic school as a star football player whose fellow students don’t know he’s Jewish-Great film!!

Great reaction as always. This is why I love your channel. Watching you read the film language ahead of the story is always so enlightening. Keep up the great work

I’ve been waiting on this one from you. I knew you would really appreciate it.

Oh man, I saw this come up on my feed and I was so glad! i knew you were going to love the script, the story, the moments. ❤

Whoa, I am shocked you hadn't seen this one before. What a great film.

This is a movie that stays with you for a while after watching.

Elements of this film are based on the school I was educated at. In 1994 our school performed this film on the stage.

Loved your reaction!!! You’re so talented…so genuine. Thank you for sharing yourself with me.

If you haven't seen it, I'd love to see a reaction to Dr Horrible's Sing-along Blog ;) I think you'll appreaciate the writing in that one.

And I think that when we choose a job that works for us, we remember to still be aware of the world and our desires and reactions within it, and we seize the day. Don’t shut down just because we have something that allows us to get by, and build up others rather than shutting them down.

Peter Weir, man. Doesn't get enough love as one of the greats.

This and good will hunting are just beautiful.

16:00 This scene, right here, always gives me chills. The awakening of true creativity and passion in a person should be celebrated. So few I feel have ever visited such a place. Although I enjoy reading but was never a writer, seeing this movie when I was younger made me ask very important questions that helped me find my passions and happiness in what I do every day. This movie should be required viewing in high school, although now a days I think there are some individuals or groups that would want the opposite.

This is probably in my top 3 favourite films of all time and every time I see it I notice something different that is so brilliantly done. This time it was that when Neil takes his own life it is only his father who actually hears the shot. Even we don't hear it. Almost as if the gun was being aimed at Mr Perry too. I think the director of this film, Peter Weir, doesn't receive enough credit either. He has made other brilliant and haunting movies too such as "Gallipoli" and "Picnic At Hanging Rock" which are really powerful too.

Oh,. James, watching this with you brought me to tears...again. I saw it when it came out and rewatched it last year, beautiful, important movie. And beautiful reaction too

Loved your reaction to this great movie. Great message and one of the all-time great endings.

I saw this movie in my sophomore high school English class. It quite literally changed my life

I was so stoked when I saw this thumbnail pop up, I knew you would absolutely love and appreciate this work.

Wonderful film! I first watched it with my dad when i was about 10 and i remember sitting through the opening and being unbearably bored, but i got so drawn in by the characters and the whimsical soundtrack. I also wanted to be an actor (my father was supportive) but it was one of those dreams that kinda just faded, but not before i acted in a high school play and it was a blast. Neil's passion was always so inspiring. Loved your reaction the the ending. It always makes me want to stand up and cheer!

I’ve got a movie suggesting for you. The sum of all fears. It’s one of the most unnerving,anxiety inducing, and beautiful films I’ve ever seen

An incredible movie throughout, but that final scene when he see these boys stand as men to express their own feelings for the first time ever.. Brilliant, just brilliant

Now I need to watch it in its entirety. Been a while, by far one of my faves. Always fun watching a great film through a filmmaker’s perspective.

I love this movie. Saw it when it first came out and it was so powerful to me. Love the story, the messages. Robin Williams was so amazing in it. What a brilliant and beautiful soul he was and gone way too soon. As an aside… I always felt Neil was queer coded. His story, the relationship and rejection by his father of his truth, some of their conversations. It’s not explicit, but I think it can certainly be read that way.

I have an appreciation for film, but I know little of filmmaking. I learn so much from hearing your comments on the technical aspects of how a scene is shot, how sound is recorded, and other details I never would have even noticed. But as much as I like to learn these things from you, I also appreciate how you get "lost in the sauce." I know it must be hard for someone to watch a film to identify the craftsmanship without being drawn into a great story such as this. Excellent reaction, looking forward to many more.