FULL WATCHALONG TO THIS MOVIE: www.patreon.com/posts/dead-poets-1989-103234378 EARLY ACCESS MOVIE REACTIONS: DUNE PART TWO: www.patreon.com/posts/dune-part-two-2-102870399 THE NICE GUYS: www.patreon.com/posts/nice-guys-2016-2-103311197
I love Nuwanda, he may be an idiot, but he is the most loyal person in the whole group, he doesn't name the other members of the society and he gets himself expelled rather than betray Keating
Zuff randomly saying, "D'you think anyone's gonna pass away?" in the middle of Neil excitedly talking about auditioning for a play made me laugh a lot but also felt strangely prophetic, lol 21:05
@@laurenokeeffe4059 oh my god, I can't imagine how much more devasting this scene must be as a mother! this had me sobbing as a teen who could relate pretty well, but I can't imagine it from a parent. its even sadder to me now that i've healed since i last watched it
This was Ethan Hawke's first major film. He was trying so hard to be a "serious " actor. Robin teased him continously, trying to get him to lighten up. Hawke said that he thought Robin hated him. He was shocked when Robin called his agent and told him that he needed to sign him up immediately because he was going to be a star. RIP Robin ❤❤❤❤
I think every young adult should see this movie at least once. It taught me a major life lesson that is still with me even in my 30s. Never let go of your own voice. No matter how oppressive the environment or how much society tries to beat you into submission. We only have one life, and we should try to live it to the fullest. Carpe Diem!
A stern reminder: Neil didn't do the Bad Thing because of the play. He did the Bad Thing because his dad told him he was sending him to military school, where he'd be under constant supervision, and no freedom whatsoever.
Mmmmm...That was the symptom. The "disease" was the merciless, inescapable suffocation of his identity, his spirit, his heart and mind; all the things Keating was trying to teach them how to find, and value above everything.
@@rakitoonOkay, regardless: I wanted to make it clear that the play was NOT the reason. So many reactors and one infuriating scene from Friends jump to that conclusion, and it disgusts me.
not just military school - also college and med school, according to his dad. and, contrary to his dad's opinion, that's -exactly- like a prison sentence. eight or nine years is a long time to believe you won't have any control over your life - especially when it's half as long as you've been alive.
@@rakitoonI mean it’s all a part of it Imo. His life wasn’t his. Not only for high school. he may not have felt so hopeless if he thought could leave at 18) but for his entire life. idk how long med school is but at least 8 years if you add college and then he can’t just not be a doctor after school. He was robbed of his entire life before he even drew his first breath. I think most people also believe that he and Todd are both queer so if that were true (as I believe but it’s not “technically” canon) he would be forced into a loveless marriage as an adult. So while he didn’t just k!ll himself bc of the military school it was the straw that broke the camel’s back (less of a straw and more of a brick but you get it) he would have probably done it at some point in his life but it was the threat of no longer seeing his friends (probably the only ppl who love him/he loves) and no longer being able to act that led to his d**th (Ik this is a ridiculously long comment lol. I probably repeated myself multiple times but I’m tired and wanted to talk about dead poets society)
Robin Williams & Ethan Hawke always get mention & praise for this film (as they should! No argument from me). But no one ever mentions Robert Sean Leonard or Gale Hansen, both of whom stole the show for me & never get enough credit! ❤
The reason Todd Anderson is so reluctant to read or talk aloud is that he has been compared to his older brother all his life, and has been made to feel he doesn’t measure up, by his parents, teachers, etc.
As someone who went to boarding school, it's just like this. The friends you make are people you will never meet again yet they know everything about you..yall grew up together.. I think about them everyday, especially the ones who have passed away. This movie is so beautiful and tragic.
Nice reaction guys. In 1989 when this movie came out everyone who graduated wore Carpe Diem on their cap. It was one of Robin's favorite roles it's my favorite of his. The message is timeless. Nurture your kids and help them become the best of what they want to be. RIP Captain.
Y’all should watch Mona Lisa Smile. Similar vibe and setting- an all women’s university in the 1950’s is shaken up when a new liberal art teacher is hired.
@@shorkelili Unfortunately that was very true to the times though. You either got married & popped out babies, or.... be shamed for not doing just that.
In year 11 (2017) on the first day we were asked what our favourite movie was and I was immediately like Dead poet's society (it' been my favourite since I was 11) and the teacher made a weird smile. Turns out we were watching it for English class like a month later, none of the other students had seen it before, and the teacher and I just sat there waiting for their reaction the whole time. 28/29 students cried.
This movie is my enlightenment of English literature. Our English literature professor played this during class, and everyone of us was shocked and cried.
His mom got me. 51:52 Her gut wrenching denial that her son was dead and I lost it. Losing a child must be pain beyond belief and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Yes! You don't have to be a mom to empathize, remembering the feeling in your own gut, that sense of being stuck in a nightmare, like, this can't be happening, HOW is this reality?!
i remember this movie broke me when i first watched it, so many lines and moments really stick with you. also, ethan hawke and josh charles (the guy who plays knox) were in a mv for Taylor Swift's song from the Tortured Poet's Department and wore lab coats that had their character's names on them!
if you remember, there’s an episode of derry girls (the one where they have a new teacher and they all love her) that’s based off this!! one of my faves tbh
52:00 As someone who lived in a similar situation as Neil, i understand why. I wasnt at boarding school or anything like that, but you get really good at picking up on when your parents dont care about anything you say. THAT'S what, "Nothing." Means .
It's so crushing how this was normal life for people my parents age (Im 40) it's explains why my generation had such a hard time breaking the toxic cycles of what "traditions" mean. Started talking about our feelings and making therapy mainstream, not making life work pay bills go into debt and die. We wanted more from live - now all these generations after have so much more freedoms
I'm 26 and my dad's 71 and even though I think he is young (he was a college professor and was always expanding his knowledge of the world), it is fascinating how many people his age I see as "old" because they have such a traditional mindset of what life means. It makes sense though when you see the environment so many people grew up in! I'm glad we are progressing more as a society
i've seen this movie a couple times. but i never noticed how it kept cutting from snowing to not snowing during this scene 43:15 until bryce mentioned it LMAO
29:13 the reason “Knox” looks familiar is because that’s Josh Charles! He went on to be in a ton of movies and tv shows. He was in Dont Tell Mom The Babysitters Dead, Threesome among many others and he played Dan on Sports Night and Will on The Good Wife. And he recently teamed back up with Ethan Hawke for T. Swift’s Fortnight. He’s had a big career!… ugh this movie was everything to me in 1989 and still is
in an alternate universe, the Bad Thing didn't happen and the guy went on to become a successful doctor with a grouchy & unethical best friend (logically doesn't add up but we can dream lol) because all I can think about anytime I see Robert Sean Leonard is House MD
Knox (Josh Charles) and Todd (Ethan Hawke) make a cameo in Taylor Swift's new video for Fortnight. Their nametags say Anderson and Overstreet. And if you want to see something outrageous, watch SNL's Farewell Mr. Bunting sketch. I about bust a gut laughing.
Holes in the paddle let the air through. Less air resistance, so you can swing the paddle harder. A solid paddle meets air resistance so you can't get the same strength of the strike in. If forced to choose the implement of your penance, the solid paddle might look scary but it tires out the one doling the punishment to get just a fraction of the damage. Always pick the widest solid object. You know. Just in case. lol
The play is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Puck is a mischievous fairy and the narrator for the play. The 1999 movie has Christian Bale, Stanley Tucci (as Puck), Michelle Pfiffer, Rupert Everet and more! Ok maybe you guys should watch some Shakespeare? I know, the way they speak is really hard to understand, and it can feel like you’re putting your whole ass online when you react to one, but they are really good! And it gets easier the more you listen. Reading a plot synopsis before watching really helps too (no shame in it, especially if it helps you understand).
Another good choice might be the 1993 film version of Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, featuring Robert Sean Leonard (Neil from DPS) In the major role of Claudio.
Incredible film, and loved your reaction to it! Another similar film you might like is Mona Lisa Smile (2003) - Julia Roberts is an art teacher during a time when women were essentially using college to find a husband and become wives with no careers. Trying to teach the women to think for themselves instead of following that they “should” be doing.
“That would’ve been your poem” 😭 also “Take it up with Willy Shake” ily guys sm!!! SO beyond happy you reacted to this film. Made my week fr. Also Puck (Neil’s character) is a sprite/fairy!! He’s basically the narrator to the entire play, but yeah there’s a BUNCH of different interpretations of Puck, ppl kinda play with the gender and appearance/form of that character in live shows! & I totally get thinking the play is whack from what little it shows in the movie, but it’s actually SUCH a great story. Highly recommend seeing a stage version if you ever get the chance! Totally random but I once saw an outdoor performance of Midsummer where scenes took place in different locations in the woods with a couple indoors! Puck guided you around from scene to scene. SO cool. Shakespeare has a special place in my little English Major heart so don’t get me started!!! Anywho, loved the reaction! This is one of those films that never fails to really *move* me. Makes you feel alive!
I have such a different reaction to this now as the mom of a teenage son than I did watching this as a teenager myself. It’s a life goal for me to never make my kids feel as unheard and unseen as Neil’s dad did 💔
Director Peter Weir has made films about deep friendship and the bonds that are almost like siblings among students who grow close or those who have even a type of “worship”for those who have affected them. It can be a kind of “love” but does not necessarily mean a sexual love. Very deep same-sex friendships were more accepted in previous times; now films focus on feelings that are either sexual or casual, and that kind of brotherly/sisterly connection among friends is rarely shown in films.
I always felt that Neil and Todd were in love, but their environment left them so oppressed that they couldn’t be together. That’s partly why Neil’s death made Todd grieve more than the others.
Not true in my opinion. I’ve watched this since it came out, and boys can just be really good friends. Neil gave him a lot of care,thought and fun. That’s all. Not everything is sexual. If they were gay, the Director would have made it so and the acting would have been more obvious, IMHO.
Very hard disagree. This came out in 1989. There were very rarely any gay roles and certainly not main characters. Also if there was a gay character they were often a criminal or portrayed in another way indicating that being queer is perverse or wrong. Of course men can be just friends but there's a reason a lot of people see these two as being more than that, even if it's not expressly spelled out. @@jesterforhire
@@jesterforhire Also, being gay is not something inherently sexual. A boy can just be in love with a boy innocently, just as any boy can like a girl like that
@@luiscalzoncit2820 , I’m aware of innocent love between gay men and it doesn’t need to be sexual, you are right. This was taking place in the 50’s I believe, and in my opinion, I just see his profound grief as normal based on his lonely life and how much Neil meant to him. I think people that see them as gay might be gay themselves and relate, but there are plenty of boys that share deep love and there is nothing romantic about it. People love people. And as deep friends. That’s all my point is. Interesting that so many think they are definitely gay though…
@@jesterforhire I also see your point. Sometimes people obsess over "shipping" characters, even ignoring that a deep platonic bond between people can also exist. Sometimes a tender, deep connection, especially between two males, needs representation. However, the beauty of media like this, is that it is always open to interpretation by the audience. If the creator of the movie, or the actors, or the writers, were disagreeing with any interpretation about the messaging, they undoubtedly would have said something.
I love this movie, great reaction. If you want another excellent movie with the actor who played Neil and a young Christian Bale, you guys should watch Swing Kids. It deals with youth in 1930's Germany.
I watched this movie once in English class in highschool (i seriously respected that teacher so much he was so cool and had the best discussions with us) and it was also the same year a kid from my grade took his own life so the movie hit even harder for all of us :(
🔥 Yep, Robin Williams will always be O Captain, my Captain to us. This and in Good Will Hunting are the only 2 roles where he wasn't zipping about. Gale Hansen and Josh Charles were also great as Nuwanda Dalton and Knox Silverstreet. They brought a lot if charm to the movie!
One of my alltime favorite movies, and the scene that ends with Todd running away in the snow always gets me teary-eyed. Todd is my favorite character(I can relate to his personality) and Niell is my 2nd favorite.
This is one of my absolute favorite Robin Williams movies! It gets me emotional every single time. I love that you recognized Neil from House - did you know he also played in the movie 'My Best Friend's A Vampire', it's a really funny, campy 80's movie, you guys should check it out.
Oh man, i still sobbed just watching it in snippets. Such an incredible movie. I have always been very sensitive to injustice and this movie really gets to me. Such a great story. Amazing acting. Sadly the Knox story aged terribly. I feel they could have told it without creepy stalking, but they didn't see it as that bad back then. Everything else though is awesome. Thanks for taking me back. Being so emotional it isn't the first movie that pops in my head for a rewatch, but it is so good.
I’m glad someone said it about Knox, like I want to root for him but I’m also bashing my head against the wall like “for the love of god! Please stop!” Honestly Chet was in every right to hit him for basically assaulting Chris.
The play is "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It has a play within the play, and it features folks lost in the woods on Midsummer when the Faeries are making mischief with mortals, and the king of the fairies, Oberon, and the queen, Titania, are quarreling, so they wage war through the mischief and pranks they inflict on the mortals in the woods. The horse was an Ass, for the play on words. It is well worth watching and it is one of Shakespeare's funnier shows.
Neil never talked to his Dad about being in the performance; when Neil talked to Mr Keating, it is obvious that he was lying and hoping that since his Dad was away that he could get away with it.
The thing about Neil’s dad is that his reaction makes perfect sense given the time in which he was born in raised. He’s almost certainly a WW2 veteran, and is old enough that he likely came of age during a time of extreme impoverishment-the Great Depression. He probably literally does think that his son being a doctor will keep him alive-he’ll always have work if another depression hits, and he’ll be out of the immediate line of fire if another war hits. He loves his son, it’s clear from his reaction to Neil’s death, but his idea of safety and protection has been altered by his experiences. He discounts why his son says not because he doesn’t care, but because of his greater awareness of life’s miseries. Teenagers and young adults often interpret events only through their own context. They assume that the pressures they were raised with are universal, but a lot can change in a generation. The tragedy of Neil’s suicide isn’t just that a promising kid died-it’s that it happened despite his father’s best efforts to protect him. He’s incapable of seeing his own role in the matter, but the older I get the more I ache for both of them instead of just Neil.
Hm, I'm the opposite. The older I get the more I hate the dad. Ideologically, people who care more about money/usefulness in society than happiness and artistic expression, are horrible to me.
For me he looks like the stereotypical Asian parent, and most likely the Singaporean type of parent (because they grew up at a time when Singapore was unwillingly separated from Malaysia and had to literally survive on their own as a country, so they adopted a survivalist mentality that constantly weeded out the weak in society)
SPOILERS here, obviously... Here's some help with understanding this exceptional film, just my take, if anyone would like. At the beginning each student falls somewhere on a spectrum of personal identity development, strength, self-awareness, self-respect, and the courage to be who he is despite immense parental and institutional pressures to conform. In the beginning, Charlie Dalton (Nuwanda) is at one end of the spectrum; Todd Anderson is at the other. They're all only teens, so their growth is not smooth, and it's all in development. Charlie seems a little like a runaway train; Todd is child-like, abandoned, and frozen. Knox, who is in the middle of that scale, attempts a forward leap by refusing to give up on his attempts to woo Chris (which today would be mild stalking). Neil had managed to find greatest self-possession and maturity at 17, despite the toxic influence of his over-lording father and defeated, trampled mother. In Keating's message, Neil found the support he needed to attempt to overcome his father's authoritarianism. But Neil simply could not; his father eventually succeeded in doing what he thought was best for his son. He smothered to death everything about Neil that made him want his own life. Neil was never able to throw his own desktop set off the top of a building and be free of the burdents his his bad parents, as he encouraged Todd to be. Side note: It's interesting that in the end, *peer* pressure was a strong contributing force in bringing everyone down, including Keating. Cameron clearly was a devout conformist/conservative. When he joined DPS he had to choose between loyalties. Had he been left to be who HE was, rather than pressured to join, Cameron wouldn't have been in a position "rat."
Neil has, for his whole life, suppressed his personality, his passion, his intresets to please his father. Keating helped him bring it all out and embrace those parts of himself. He experienced a taste of freedom, accomplishment in his passion and joy. Facing the prospect of having to bottle his true self back up again in military shcool was too much for him. So sad.
I was in 8th grade when I watched this (twice in the movie theater) and I cried inconsolably both times. I had the biggest crush on Robert Sean Leonard after this.
I really liked the reaction of the guy in the middle. When he had tears in his eyes, I cried too. This film tells of the contrast between rigid structures in society and the will to live from within and break everything open. It may only be a moment in our lives - usually in our youth - but it is up to each individual to take this liveliness with them into old age. Carpe diem.
I think you guys would love The Way Way back with Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette and Steve Carell. Just want to say it's a coming-of-age movie. Todd found his voice, his yawp at the end of the movie when he screamed his friend's name out in the snow... powerful.
A couple older films you guys might like are Mask, Ordinary People, Less Than Zero, Taps, and for more Robin Williams, check out Patch Adams, Awakenings, and The Fisher King.
i do have some qualms about this movie that makes me not like it as much as other people but they’re all very personal preference and have nothing to do with the quality of the film. Ethan Hawke & Robin Williams are total standouts and I miss Robin Williams so much. Also such a topical time to watch this lol Also Hi Leah & Quanisha! lol
this is my favorite movie of all time, no one gets this movie the way I get this this movie. everyone should be forced to watch it at least once in their life. at least.
This is one of my favorite movies. A couple of notes to consider. During that time period, the boys at the private school had to represent their parents and could not embarrass them. So when Mr Keating inspired the boys to be free and think for themselves, Neil found himself despite his dad's enforcement. Also, the play is "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Williams Shakespeare, which was made into a film (1999). Highly recommend you watch and react to it. Just be prepared to hear the movie in Shakespearean prose. In addition, another similar movie to Dead Poet's Society in terms of time period and class would be "School Ties" with Brendan Fraser.
"I'd rather just do it in a room or something." So real, I'm surprised none of the boys in the movie said that when they were about to walk through the woods to the cave!
My favourite movie. I actually started a dead poet's society when I was studying abroad. We'd meet on the roof. Robin Williams was brilliant, and so were all the boys. You really see the difference between Keating and Neil's father. They're both kind of trying to encourage Neil to live his life, but his father is "encouraging" him through fear and shame to live a specific type of life and Keating encourages them through freedom and learning. I have 3 recommendations for you guys to watch: Short Term 12 The Kings of Summer Anna and the Apocalypse
i was seriously so happy when i saw that you guys posted a reaction to this movie. i will always enjoy watching people's reaction to it and especially you guys since yall are my favs
I saw this film in 1992 and I was exactly 17. It was a punch to the stomach for me, it espired me and moved me and broke me and pulled me back together.
this movie is a great movie. studied it at school in the early 90's (showing my age) but we studied this 3 months after a fellow classmate took his life in front of the class in a similar manner. movie still hits after 30 years. amazing movie.
There is no way you've reacted to this!! I've only ever seen it once when i was around 10, but it stuck with me all these years as one of my absolute fav movies and i've been meaning to rewatch it now that i'm an adult, but haven't gotten around to it! Well, now i'm going to HAVE TO rewatch it asap so i can watch this reaction after!
Robin & Ethan were great in this but Robert Sean Leonard always steals it for me. I only know him from this & House MD so I should check out his catalogue tbh bc he's an amazing actor.
This is one of the best all-time tragic queer stories. We have rightfully claimed it. Looking at this film through a queer lens makes Todd, Neil, and Neil's actions at the end so much more understandable and poignant. I like to think in another universe, Neil and Todd are happy together. This movie really hit home with me when I was young. I relate to Neil quite a bit, especially when looking at him as someone who is potentially queer and coming to terms with it. Alexander Avila (formerly "Are They Gay") has a great video on this film.
I hadn't watched this in at least twenty years so I had to refresh my memory and watch it again before I watched it with you. I know Robin Williams is more known for his comedic roles but his dramatic ones are some of my favorites. Good Will Hunting, Patch Adams and this one.
This film probably introduced twelve-year-old me to the worlds of Baroque music and poetry. The interesting thing is, this film came out at the height of the mythopoetic men's movement, when the Boomers were gathering in drum-circles, and around campfires, to talk mythology, poetry, and a "new" vision of men and masculinity. There are scenes that still make me teary-eyed, and I've seen this film dozens of times.
PLEASE check out Mona Lisa Smile! I know a lot of people basically says it's just a poor man's Dead Poet's Society, but it's still good in its own way. Plus it also has a really strong cast.❤
This used to be my favorite movie, but I can't watch it anymore, it's too sad. I fast forwarded through most of your reaction to watch the main moments. In college we had to watch it and then write a paper about the character that we thought we were most like. I wrote mine on Todd Anderson.
You are watching one of my favorite movies again!! I am very happy that I came across this video, I was just watching your videos of the Twilight series and when I entered my home page, I saw this. It is a very emotional and important movie. For next week's video, I recommend you to watch the movie The Ugly Truth if you haven't watched it... It is a very entertaining movie in the romantic comedy genre.
FULL WATCHALONG TO THIS MOVIE: www.patreon.com/posts/dead-poets-1989-103234378
EARLY ACCESS MOVIE REACTIONS:
DUNE PART TWO: www.patreon.com/posts/dune-part-two-2-102870399
THE NICE GUYS: www.patreon.com/posts/nice-guys-2016-2-103311197
I love Nuwanda, he may be an idiot, but he is the most loyal person in the whole group, he doesn't name the other members of the society and he gets himself expelled rather than betray Keating
Agreed!
“At the request of Neil’s family, I intend to conduct a thorough inquiry-“
I HATED that shit. YOU. YOU’RE THE REASON.
Zuff randomly saying, "D'you think anyone's gonna pass away?" in the middle of Neil excitedly talking about auditioning for a play made me laugh a lot but also felt strangely prophetic, lol 21:05
He Always predicts stuff It s Crazy gaagaga
Zuffs a psychic for movies it creeps me out
for real😂😂
I don't think it's random, it's an old film, a lot of people know details about it before watching it.
came here to comment that LMAOOO
Neil’s mother repeating he’s alright will never not make me cry.
Ugh, and as a mother myself? 😭😭😭
@@MusicalMiranda82 exactly and my son is almost 16 so again so sad 😭
@@laurenokeeffe4059 oh my god, I can't imagine how much more devasting this scene must be as a mother! this had me sobbing as a teen who could relate pretty well, but I can't imagine it from a parent. its even sadder to me now that i've healed since i last watched it
From the play to the end i am WEEPING
Watching Keating’s reaction to Neil’s death hurts more knowing that Robin Williams died by suicide as well.
This film is so important that it should be watched once a year for the rest of our lives.
i re-watch it every fall!
@@m00n_beetle 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
This was Ethan Hawke's first major film. He was trying so hard to be a "serious " actor. Robin teased him continously, trying to get him to lighten up. Hawke said that he thought Robin hated him. He was shocked when Robin called his agent and told him that he needed to sign him up immediately because he was going to be a star. RIP Robin ❤❤❤❤
He was in the explorers
Keating’s “don’t you forget this” to Todd after his poem gets me every fucking time 😭
I think every young adult should see this movie at least once. It taught me a major life lesson that is still with me even in my 30s. Never let go of your own voice. No matter how oppressive the environment or how much society tries to beat you into submission. We only have one life, and we should try to live it to the fullest. Carpe Diem!
A stern reminder:
Neil didn't do the Bad Thing because of the play.
He did the Bad Thing because his dad told him he was sending him to military school, where he'd be under constant supervision, and no freedom whatsoever.
Mmmmm...That was the symptom. The "disease" was the merciless, inescapable suffocation of his identity, his spirit, his heart and mind; all the things Keating was trying to teach them how to find, and value above everything.
@@rakitoonOkay, regardless:
I wanted to make it clear that the play was NOT the reason.
So many reactors and one infuriating scene from Friends jump to that conclusion, and it disgusts me.
not just military school - also college and med school, according to his dad. and, contrary to his dad's opinion, that's -exactly- like a prison sentence. eight or nine years is a long time to believe you won't have any control over your life - especially when it's half as long as you've been alive.
@@rakitoonI mean it’s all a part of it Imo. His life wasn’t his. Not only for high school. he may not have felt so hopeless if he thought could leave at 18) but for his entire life. idk how long med school is but at least 8 years if you add college and then he can’t just not be a doctor after school. He was robbed of his entire life before he even drew his first breath. I think most people also believe that he and Todd are both queer so if that were true (as I believe but it’s not “technically” canon) he would be forced into a loveless marriage as an adult. So while he didn’t just k!ll himself bc of the military school it was the straw that broke the camel’s back (less of a straw and more of a brick but you get it) he would have probably done it at some point in his life but it was the threat of no longer seeing his friends (probably the only ppl who love him/he loves) and no longer being able to act that led to his d**th (Ik this is a ridiculously long comment lol. I probably repeated myself multiple times but I’m tired and wanted to talk about dead poets society)
Robin Williams & Ethan Hawke always get mention & praise for this film (as they should! No argument from me). But no one ever mentions Robert Sean Leonard or Gale Hansen, both of whom stole the show for me & never get enough credit! ❤
The reason Todd Anderson is so reluctant to read or talk aloud is that he has been compared to his older brother all his life, and has been made to feel he doesn’t measure up, by his parents, teachers, etc.
As someone who went to boarding school, it's just like this. The friends you make are people you will never meet again yet they know everything about you..yall grew up together.. I think about them everyday, especially the ones who have passed away. This movie is so beautiful and tragic.
no movie has ever touched me the way this one did when i first watched it
This movie and Stand By Me. Literally tears every time
@@korokingmason I love that movie so much
Nice reaction guys. In 1989 when this movie came out everyone who graduated wore Carpe Diem on their cap. It was one of Robin's favorite roles it's my favorite of his. The message is timeless. Nurture your kids and help them become the best of what they want to be. RIP Captain.
I though the message was “seize the day”
@@Artemis-v8ithat’s what Carpe Diem means
Y’all should watch Mona Lisa Smile. Similar vibe and setting- an all women’s university in the 1950’s is shaken up when a new liberal art teacher is hired.
Yes!!!
love that movie but also kinda hate the ending for some of the girls
Yes! Love that movie! It’s almost like the female version of Dead Poets Society
@@shorkelili Unfortunately that was very true to the times though.
You either got married & popped out babies, or.... be shamed for not doing just that.
Love that movie!
In year 11 (2017) on the first day we were asked what our favourite movie was and I was immediately like Dead poet's society (it' been my favourite since I was 11) and the teacher made a weird smile. Turns out we were watching it for English class like a month later, none of the other students had seen it before, and the teacher and I just sat there waiting for their reaction the whole time. 28/29 students cried.
This movie is my enlightenment of English literature. Our English literature professor played this during class, and everyone of us was shocked and cried.
His mom got me. 51:52
Her gut wrenching denial that her son was dead and I lost it. Losing a child must be pain beyond belief and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Yes! You don't have to be a mom to empathize, remembering the feeling in your own gut, that sense of being stuck in a nightmare, like, this can't be happening, HOW is this reality?!
Her trying to convince herself he was ok is heartbreaking.
Shes guilty too. She was a silent bystander to his demise.
RIP, Robin Williams, O Captain, My Captain.
also sorry but the zoom in at 21:05 when zuff had a little psychic moment killed me
i remember this movie broke me when i first watched it, so many lines and moments really stick with you. also, ethan hawke and josh charles (the guy who plays knox) were in a mv for Taylor Swift's song from the Tortured Poet's Department and wore lab coats that had their character's names on them!
if you remember, there’s an episode of derry girls (the one where they have a new teacher and they all love her) that’s based off this!! one of my faves tbh
52:00 As someone who lived in a similar situation as Neil, i understand why.
I wasnt at boarding school or anything like that, but you get really good at picking up on when your parents dont care about anything you say.
THAT'S what, "Nothing." Means .
100% relate. You are right.
It's so crushing how this was normal life for people my parents age (Im 40) it's explains why my generation had such a hard time breaking the toxic cycles of what "traditions" mean. Started talking about our feelings and making therapy mainstream, not making life work pay bills go into debt and die. We wanted more from live - now all these generations after have so much more freedoms
I'm 26 and my dad's 71 and even though I think he is young (he was a college professor and was always expanding his knowledge of the world), it is fascinating how many people his age I see as "old" because they have such a traditional mindset of what life means. It makes sense though when you see the environment so many people grew up in! I'm glad we are progressing more as a society
i've seen this movie a couple times. but i never noticed how it kept cutting from snowing to not snowing during this scene 43:15 until bryce mentioned it LMAO
29:13 the reason “Knox” looks familiar is because that’s Josh Charles! He went on to be in a ton of movies and tv shows. He was in Dont Tell Mom The Babysitters Dead, Threesome among many others and he played Dan on Sports Night and Will on The Good Wife. And he recently teamed back up with Ethan Hawke for T. Swift’s Fortnight. He’s had a big career!… ugh this movie was everything to me in 1989 and still is
in an alternate universe, the Bad Thing didn't happen and the guy went on to become a successful doctor with a grouchy & unethical best friend (logically doesn't add up but we can dream lol) because all I can think about anytime I see Robert Sean Leonard is House MD
I mean, who DOESN'T think of Wilson when they see Robert
I mean, Wilson goes through a shit ton of stuff too.
Knox (Josh Charles) and Todd (Ethan Hawke) make a cameo in Taylor Swift's new video for Fortnight. Their nametags say Anderson and Overstreet. And if you want to see something outrageous, watch SNL's Farewell Mr. Bunting sketch. I about bust a gut laughing.
Holes in the paddle let the air through. Less air resistance, so you can swing the paddle harder. A solid paddle meets air resistance so you can't get the same strength of the strike in. If forced to choose the implement of your penance, the solid paddle might look scary but it tires out the one doling the punishment to get just a fraction of the damage. Always pick the widest solid object. You know. Just in case. lol
The play is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Puck is a mischievous fairy and the narrator for the play. The 1999 movie has Christian Bale, Stanley Tucci (as Puck), Michelle Pfiffer, Rupert Everet and more! Ok maybe you guys should watch some Shakespeare? I know, the way they speak is really hard to understand, and it can feel like you’re putting your whole ass online when you react to one, but they are really good! And it gets easier the more you listen. Reading a plot synopsis before watching really helps too (no shame in it, especially if it helps you understand).
The amount of times I’ve read the play, & watched that movie, are countless. It is my favorite work of Shakespeare ❤ & it’s Christian Bales fault lol
Another good choice might be the 1993 film version of Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, featuring Robert Sean Leonard (Neil from DPS) In the major role of Claudio.
Oh. Was not expecting the boys to react to this masterpiece
so… we all thought neil and todd were in love right? not just me?
They were madly in love.
the “what do you mean no?” scene??? like c’mon fr
@@realoobi they invented love fr
they literally are, i refuse to accept any other interpretation
@@patiencekillz so glad I found my people I was preparing for lots of hate
Incredible film, and loved your reaction to it!
Another similar film you might like is Mona Lisa Smile (2003) - Julia Roberts is an art teacher during a time when women were essentially using college to find a husband and become wives with no careers. Trying to teach the women to think for themselves instead of following that they “should” be doing.
“That would’ve been your poem” 😭 also “Take it up with Willy Shake” ily guys sm!!! SO beyond happy you reacted to this film. Made my week fr. Also Puck (Neil’s character) is a sprite/fairy!! He’s basically the narrator to the entire play, but yeah there’s a BUNCH of different interpretations of Puck, ppl kinda play with the gender and appearance/form of that character in live shows! & I totally get thinking the play is whack from what little it shows in the movie, but it’s actually SUCH a great story. Highly recommend seeing a stage version if you ever get the chance! Totally random but I once saw an outdoor performance of Midsummer where scenes took place in different locations in the woods with a couple indoors! Puck guided you around from scene to scene. SO cool. Shakespeare has a special place in my little English Major heart so don’t get me started!!! Anywho, loved the reaction! This is one of those films that never fails to really *move* me. Makes you feel alive!
I have such a different reaction to this now as the mom of a teenage son than I did watching this as a teenager myself. It’s a life goal for me to never make my kids feel as unheard and unseen as Neil’s dad did 💔
This is one of my favorite Robin Williams movies. His monologue is so beautiful ❤
Director Peter Weir has made films about deep friendship and the bonds that are almost like siblings among students who grow close or those who have even a type of “worship”for those who have affected them. It can be a kind of “love” but does not necessarily mean a sexual love. Very deep same-sex friendships were more accepted in previous times; now films focus on feelings that are either sexual or casual, and that kind of brotherly/sisterly connection among friends is rarely shown in films.
Exactly. I wrote that above and just got describes as hateful and homophobic. Full of micro aggressions. Give me a break.
“A peppy Teddy Roosevelt”?!?! Love that description.
I always felt that Neil and Todd were in love, but their environment left them so oppressed that they couldn’t be together. That’s partly why Neil’s death made Todd grieve more than the others.
Not true in my opinion. I’ve watched this since it came out, and boys can just be really good friends. Neil gave him a lot of care,thought and fun. That’s all. Not everything is sexual. If they were gay, the Director would have made it so and the acting would have been more obvious, IMHO.
Very hard disagree. This came out in 1989. There were very rarely any gay roles and certainly not main characters. Also if there was a gay character they were often a criminal or portrayed in another way indicating that being queer is perverse or wrong. Of course men can be just friends but there's a reason a lot of people see these two as being more than that, even if it's not expressly spelled out. @@jesterforhire
@@jesterforhire Also, being gay is not something inherently sexual. A boy can just be in love with a boy innocently, just as any boy can like a girl like that
@@luiscalzoncit2820 , I’m aware of innocent love between gay men and it doesn’t need to be sexual, you are right. This was taking place in the 50’s I believe, and in my opinion, I just see his profound grief as normal based on his lonely life and how much Neil meant to him. I think people that see them as gay might be gay themselves and relate, but there are plenty of boys that share deep love and there is nothing romantic about it. People love people. And as deep friends. That’s all my point is. Interesting that so many think they are definitely gay though…
@@jesterforhire I also see your point. Sometimes people obsess over "shipping" characters, even ignoring that a deep platonic bond between people can also exist. Sometimes a tender, deep connection, especially between two males, needs representation. However, the beauty of media like this, is that it is always open to interpretation by the audience. If the creator of the movie, or the actors, or the writers, were disagreeing with any interpretation about the messaging, they undoubtedly would have said something.
so happy you guys watched this! one of my all time favorites. definitely check out the holdovers - very similar vibe!
not being a fan of before sunrise is crazy
I love this movie, great reaction. If you want another excellent movie with the actor who played Neil and a young Christian Bale, you guys should watch Swing Kids. It deals with youth in 1930's Germany.
I watched this movie once in English class in highschool (i seriously respected that teacher so much he was so cool and had the best discussions with us) and it was also the same year a kid from my grade took his own life so the movie hit even harder for all of us :(
🔥 Yep, Robin Williams will always be O Captain, my Captain to us. This and in Good Will Hunting are the only 2 roles where he wasn't zipping about. Gale Hansen and Josh Charles were also great as Nuwanda Dalton and Knox Silverstreet. They brought a lot if charm to the movie!
One of my alltime favorite movies, and the scene that ends with Todd running away in the snow always gets me teary-eyed. Todd is my favorite character(I can relate to his personality) and Niell is my 2nd favorite.
This is one of my absolute favorite Robin Williams movies! It gets me emotional every single time. I love that you recognized Neil from House - did you know he also played in the movie 'My Best Friend's A Vampire', it's a really funny, campy 80's movie, you guys should check it out.
MY BEST FRIEND IS A VAMPIRE (1987) would be very appropriate for the upcoming Halloween season.
Oh man, i still sobbed just watching it in snippets. Such an incredible movie. I have always been very sensitive to injustice and this movie really gets to me. Such a great story. Amazing acting. Sadly the Knox story aged terribly. I feel they could have told it without creepy stalking, but they didn't see it as that bad back then. Everything else though is awesome. Thanks for taking me back. Being so emotional it isn't the first movie that pops in my head for a rewatch, but it is so good.
I’m glad someone said it about Knox, like I want to root for him but I’m also bashing my head against the wall like “for the love of god! Please stop!” Honestly Chet was in every right to hit him for basically assaulting Chris.
My favorite movie of all time. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may"
In Derry Girls, the episode about the teacher was very much playing on this.
What Dreams May Come starring Robin Williams is an amazing movie that I think the three of you would love.
The play is "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It has a play within the play, and it features folks lost in the woods on Midsummer when the Faeries are making mischief with mortals, and the king of the fairies, Oberon, and the queen, Titania, are quarreling, so they wage war through the mischief and pranks they inflict on the mortals in the woods. The horse was an Ass, for the play on words. It is well worth watching and it is one of Shakespeare's funnier shows.
Neil never talked to his Dad about being in the performance; when Neil talked to Mr Keating, it is obvious that he was lying and hoping that since his Dad was away that he could get away with it.
The thing about Neil’s dad is that his reaction makes perfect sense given the time in which he was born in raised. He’s almost certainly a WW2 veteran, and is old enough that he likely came of age during a time of extreme impoverishment-the Great Depression. He probably literally does think that his son being a doctor will keep him alive-he’ll always have work if another depression hits, and he’ll be out of the immediate line of fire if another war hits. He loves his son, it’s clear from his reaction to Neil’s death, but his idea of safety and protection has been altered by his experiences. He discounts why his son says not because he doesn’t care, but because of his greater awareness of life’s miseries.
Teenagers and young adults often interpret events only through their own context. They assume that the pressures they were raised with are universal, but a lot can change in a generation. The tragedy of Neil’s suicide isn’t just that a promising kid died-it’s that it happened despite his father’s best efforts to protect him. He’s incapable of seeing his own role in the matter, but the older I get the more I ache for both of them instead of just Neil.
Hm, I'm the opposite. The older I get the more I hate the dad. Ideologically, people who care more about money/usefulness in society than happiness and artistic expression, are horrible to me.
For me he looks like the stereotypical Asian parent, and most likely the Singaporean type of parent (because they grew up at a time when Singapore was unwillingly separated from Malaysia and had to literally survive on their own as a country, so they adopted a survivalist mentality that constantly weeded out the weak in society)
SPOILERS here, obviously... Here's some help with understanding this exceptional film, just my take, if anyone would like.
At the beginning each student falls somewhere on a spectrum of personal identity development, strength, self-awareness, self-respect, and the courage to be who he is despite immense parental and institutional pressures to conform.
In the beginning, Charlie Dalton (Nuwanda) is at one end of the spectrum; Todd Anderson is at the other. They're all only teens, so their growth is not smooth, and it's all in development. Charlie seems a little like a runaway train; Todd is child-like, abandoned, and frozen. Knox, who is in the middle of that scale, attempts a forward leap by refusing to give up on his attempts to woo Chris (which today would be mild stalking).
Neil had managed to find greatest self-possession and maturity at 17, despite the toxic influence of his over-lording father and defeated, trampled mother. In Keating's message, Neil found the support he needed to attempt to overcome his father's authoritarianism. But Neil simply could not; his father eventually succeeded in doing what he thought was best for his son. He smothered to death everything about Neil that made him want his own life. Neil was never able to throw his own desktop set off the top of a building and be free of the burdents his his bad parents, as he encouraged Todd to be.
Side note: It's interesting that in the end, *peer* pressure was a strong contributing force in bringing everyone down, including Keating. Cameron clearly was a devout conformist/conservative. When he joined DPS he had to choose between loyalties. Had he been left to be who HE was, rather than pressured to join, Cameron wouldn't have been in a position "rat."
Neil has, for his whole life, suppressed his personality, his passion, his intresets to please his father. Keating helped him bring it all out and embrace those parts of himself. He experienced a taste of freedom, accomplishment in his passion and joy. Facing the prospect of having to bottle his true self back up again in military shcool was too much for him. So sad.
Holes are drilled in a paddle to cut down on air resistance, so the paddle can hit harder.
Exactly. I wasn’t abused or anything but I thought that was a known fact lol. That sh!t will go way faster if it’s got holes lol
Many thanks to Bryce, Rob and Zuff! 🎓 Peter Weir did a great job of directing this classic.
I was in 8th grade when I watched this (twice in the movie theater) and I cried inconsolably both times. I had the biggest crush on Robert Sean Leonard after this.
The bagpipe song you recognized at the beginning is Scotland The Brave and is definitely a popular tune
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is really fun. Y’all should watch the 1999 version
The holes in the paddle reduce the friction/air drag when swinging making it easier to hit faster and harder.
I really liked the reaction of the guy in the middle. When he had tears in his eyes, I cried too. This film tells of the contrast between rigid structures in society and the will to live from within and break everything open. It may only be a moment in our lives - usually in our youth - but it is up to each individual to take this liveliness with them into old age. Carpe diem.
I think you guys would love The Way Way back with Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette and Steve Carell. Just want to say it's a coming-of-age movie. Todd found his voice, his yawp at the end of the movie when he screamed his friend's name out in the snow... powerful.
A couple older films you guys might like are Mask, Ordinary People, Less Than Zero, Taps, and for more Robin Williams, check out Patch Adams, Awakenings, and The Fisher King.
Yes!! Taps and Ordinary People!
i do have some qualms about this movie that makes me not like it as much as other people but they’re all very personal preference and have nothing to do with the quality of the film. Ethan Hawke & Robin Williams are total standouts and I miss Robin Williams so much. Also such a topical time to watch this lol
Also Hi Leah & Quanisha! lol
Ethan Hawke loml, Todd Anderson my baby darling, and I can’t even look at Neil Perry without crying life ruiner (hi Tori and Leah 😘)
@@bandlover341 AHHH
@@torijeri ze power of the internet
@@bandlover341 this is how we met too in the comments of a reactor
this is my favorite movie of all time, no one gets this movie the way I get this this movie. everyone should be forced to watch it at least once in their life. at least.
This is one of my favorite movies. A couple of notes to consider. During that time period, the boys at the private school had to represent their parents and could not embarrass them. So when Mr Keating inspired the boys to be free and think for themselves, Neil found himself despite his dad's enforcement. Also, the play is "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Williams Shakespeare, which was made into a film (1999). Highly recommend you watch and react to it. Just be prepared to hear the movie in Shakespearean prose. In addition, another similar movie to Dead Poet's Society in terms of time period and class would be "School Ties" with Brendan Fraser.
The way my heart SANK when the scene of neil’s dad came in- bro im still not healed from that movie
BRO THE WAY IM ABOUT TO CRYYY UGHH I CANT DO THIS
Yes, my movie. I just used one of the quotes for my graduation ceremonie “…medicine, law….we stay alive for.”
i cant believe you finally watched it bro im so happy
At 29m the actor who "looks familiar" is Josh Charles. I looove him in the Good Wife!
"I'd rather just do it in a room or something." So real, I'm surprised none of the boys in the movie said that when they were about to walk through the woods to the cave!
I was 13 when this movie came out and I’ve seen it too many times to count. Still own it on VHS. One of my all time faves❤
My favourite movie. I actually started a dead poet's society when I was studying abroad. We'd meet on the roof. Robin Williams was brilliant, and so were all the boys. You really see the difference between Keating and Neil's father. They're both kind of trying to encourage Neil to live his life, but his father is "encouraging" him through fear and shame to live a specific type of life and Keating encourages them through freedom and learning.
I have 3 recommendations for you guys to watch:
Short Term 12
The Kings of Summer
Anna and the Apocalypse
i was seriously so happy when i saw that you guys posted a reaction to this movie. i will always enjoy watching people's reaction to it and especially you guys since yall are my favs
The guys yiu keep saying is familiar is Josh Charles. He has been in a lot of movies
I saw this film in 1992 and I was exactly 17. It was a punch to the stomach for me, it espired me and moved me and broke me and pulled me back together.
This is, and always will be, my favourite Robin W film!
this movie is a great movie. studied it at school in the early 90's (showing my age) but we studied this 3 months after a fellow classmate took his life in front of the class in a similar manner. movie still hits after 30 years. amazing movie.
There is no way you've reacted to this!! I've only ever seen it once when i was around 10, but it stuck with me all these years as one of my absolute fav movies and i've been meaning to rewatch it now that i'm an adult, but haven't gotten around to it!
Well, now i'm going to HAVE TO rewatch it asap so i can watch this reaction after!
Robin & Ethan were great in this but Robert Sean Leonard always steals it for me.
I only know him from this & House MD so I should check out his catalogue tbh bc he's an amazing actor.
He is in a Shakespeare comedy, Much Ado About Nothing which is hilarious and has many stars in it
Robert Sean Leonard did a recent role in “The Gilded Age.” He’s an incredible actor.
You would love Good Morning Vietnam - so much ad-libbing from him - Robin at his joyful best! ❤
This is one of the best all-time tragic queer stories. We have rightfully claimed it. Looking at this film through a queer lens makes Todd, Neil, and Neil's actions at the end so much more understandable and poignant. I like to think in another universe, Neil and Todd are happy together. This movie really hit home with me when I was young. I relate to Neil quite a bit, especially when looking at him as someone who is potentially queer and coming to terms with it. Alexander Avila (formerly "Are They Gay") has a great video on this film.
Now you should definitely react to The Emperor’s Club with Kevin Kline
The holes in the paddle creates less wind resistance and therefore the swinger can hit harder.
I hadn't watched this in at least twenty years so I had to refresh my memory and watch it again before I watched it with you. I know Robin Williams is more known for his comedic roles but his dramatic ones are some of my favorites. Good Will Hunting, Patch Adams and this one.
This film probably introduced twelve-year-old me to the worlds of Baroque music and poetry. The interesting thing is, this film came out at the height of the mythopoetic men's movement, when the Boomers were gathering in drum-circles, and around campfires, to talk mythology, poetry, and a "new" vision of men and masculinity.
There are scenes that still make me teary-eyed, and I've seen this film dozens of times.
so this is my favorite movie and this video came at the perfect time bc i’m writing an essay for my final about Neil and probably Todd
Thank you guys for reacting to this movie 🥹🥹🥹🥹
You should watch the cut scenes as well even though it ads like 15 minutes it gives so much to the story
It’s a great movie. I just hate the slow-mo “No” when Neil’s dad finds him.
The first cave scene always cracks me up because it is biblically accurate the a 17 year old boy keeps a jaw harp in his pocket
PLEASE check out Mona Lisa Smile!
I know a lot of people basically says it's just a poor man's Dead Poet's Society, but it's still good in its own way.
Plus it also has a really strong cast.❤
todd loved neil so much
This used to be my favorite movie, but I can't watch it anymore, it's too sad. I fast forwarded through most of your reaction to watch the main moments. In college we had to watch it and then write a paper about the character that we thought we were most like. I wrote mine on Todd Anderson.
You are watching one of my favorite movies again!! I am very happy that I came across this video, I was just watching your videos of the Twilight series and when I entered my home page, I saw this. It is a very emotional and important movie. For next week's video, I recommend you to watch the movie The Ugly Truth if you haven't watched it... It is a very entertaining movie in the romantic comedy genre.
omg omg omg one of my most personal movies/books ever
If you want another great Robin Williams movie. Watch "Patch Adams" a forgotten classic of his
favourite movie of all time, very eye-opening and inspiring. i sob every time i watch it.