Aimee Ann P.

Turato July 29, 2010

BSN IV-B Mr. Mark Yap

Reaction to the movie Dead Poets Society

As I have watched the movie Dead Poets Society which had long captured my
curiosity, a new sense awakened in me that I couldn’t identify whether it is really curiosity
over the film’s essence or interest due to its high recommendation. But whatever it is, an
arousal of sort took place inside of me.

A blending of the elements of passion, comedy, tragedy and romanticism, the

movie “Dead Poet Society” is undoubtedly the most sublime and influential film that I have
ever seen.

It tells us the story of students in Welton Academy, an all-boy preparatory

school for college, whose lives were altered when they met their new English Teacher,
John Keating (Robin Williams). By his way of unconventional teaching methods, he taught
them how to constantly see things in a different perspective. He pushed them to make
their lives extraordinary, to go against the conformity of life and encourage them with the
rallying call “Carpe Diem!” or “Seize the Day!”.

With this end, some of Keating’s students started to revive an old literary club,
the Dead Poets Society, in which he had told and also been a member. Their main activity
is the reading of poetry linked to romanticism.

After its weeks of existence, the boys experienced life-changing

transformations; Neil Perry, a confident and popular student who excels in his studies
tries hard to follow his passion in opposition to his father’s will, Knox Overstreet, a shy
type person, struggles to win the girl he loves by taking risks in spite of the fact that the
girl is practically married, Todd Anderson tries to overcome his shyness and the first
student to stand on his desk in support of Mr. Keating and Charlie Dalton aka Nuwanda
takes Mr. Keating’s principles too far and takes several imprudent risks.

The succeeding events, however, was unanticipated. Neil committed suicide due
to the objections of his dominating father to what he wants to do in life. And, the
philosophy taught by Keating is believed to drive his unexpected tragedy. As a result,
headmaster Mr. Nolan (Norman Lloyd) fires Keating. When he is about to leave, his
students still leaped to his defense.

The movie is based on the story of its scriptwriter itself, Tom Schulman. It may
seem boring to others, but for all the students, especially to those who struggles really
hard in academics, it is in every way interesting.
 After watching the movie, I felt like I want to watch it again not because it’s
unclear but because of its unusual effect. Never in my whole life did I see a movie which
makes a connection to my brain down to my heart. It’s really amazing. I even wondered if
Keating’s teaching methods are applied in the Philippines, would the events following after
which would be the same as the movie? Or will the students be like in his class – more
imaginative, energetic, passionate and creative? Why can’t all the teachers be like Mr.
Keating who always sees life in a different view, giving students chance to grow as
individuals and giving them the recognition to whatever idea they may have and not taking
it for granted? Anyway, these questions are not meant to be answered. But I think, this is
a must see movie for all educators, for them to develop their motivational skills – that
teaching is not merely teaching at its literal level, but inspiring the students to do things
at their utmost ability.

When Keating told his class, “We are food for worms…every one of us is going to
stop breathing, turn cold and die”, I realized that it simply emphasizes that life is short.
And since it is short, our destiny is yet to be determined so we must make our lives
extraordinary by leaving a lasting legacy to other people. Because life is a mission, and not
a career, as proven by the most successful men in all aspects of life.

Many of what Keating had said has a great impact on me. These for sure can
help everyone go through life and live it extraordinarily, at its highest level. When he
claims that “Sucking the marrow out of life doesn’t mean choking on the bone”, it means we
should focus on the essence of life; living to the fullest. Not to be let down by unpleasant
and unimportant things around us. The movie also taught us that though there is a need for
acceptance, you must still stand for your own beliefs, to fight for what you think is right,
even though others may see it odd. We do not have to abandon our convictions because it
is not what others believe.

To top it all, this movie challenges us to explore what we really want, despite
what family and friends may try to make us think. This movie, along with its quotes, truly is
an inspiration, not only to find what we want in life but accept what one may want for
himself. The movie ended with a call at the back of my mind, Carpe Diem! The Dead Poets
Honor!