Dead Poets Society 4K 1989

How often have you found yourself thinking that something in your life isn’t right? Every day, you perform the same duties, get caught up in routine tasks, and interact with people you’ve known for a long time—people who aren’t always pleasant. That’s just the way it is. That’s how it has to be to get a good education, that’s how it has to be to find a prestigious and high-paying job, and that’s how it has to be simply to become a respected and prosperous person. Modern society dictates harsh rules of the game, and you have to know how to win: hypocrisy, sycophancy, and pretense become familiar tools for achieving your goals. Sometimes, of course, you feel guilty. But you’re not a bad person. It’s just become the norm. A tradition. Everyone does it now. The main thing is that it will help you fulfill your desires. But are you sure they’re really yours?

When John Keating—a new English and literature teacher—arrives at a school in Vermont, his future students can’t even imagine the role this man will play in their lives. In his very first class, Keating makes his students reflect on how short and fleeting human life is, reminding them how important it is to live in the moment and not waste a single minute. Contrasting strict, traditional teaching methods with his lively intellect and spontaneity, and interacting with his students in a simple and friendly manner, Keating quickly earns their respect. The boys begin to realize their individuality and the strength of their “self,” learning not to be swayed by those around them. School life no longer seems hopelessly dreary and monotonous. But very soon, Keating’s students must put their convictions to the test and figure out whether they’re ready to fight for them to the very end.

...This movie can truly help you figure yourself out, help you separate your “wants” from others’ “shoulds,” and it can open your eyes to many things you previously didn’t want to notice. But don’t expect that, once the final credits roll, you’ll be filled with the resolve to quit your hated job, finally tell your tyrannical boss the whole truth to his face, and walk out to change the world, slamming the door behind you. Although, of course, who knows?) But that’s not the point. And it doesn’t really matter how relatable the main characters’ experiences and all their newfound desires seem to you. The main thing is that after watching the movie, you’ll definitely have your own.