When English teacher John Keating arrives for the new school year he would teach a group of boys not only a love for poetry but for life as well, carpe diem … seize the day!
This is truly one of the most inspirational films you will ever watch. If you ever wanted to pick a teacher you could have had at school then Mr Keating certainly is that teacher. His lessons are different and he teaches life lessons as well as English lessons. He inspires them all to be a little bit more than they already are and to really go after the things they really want in life.
While we follow the group of friends two main characters stand out a little bit more with Neil who wants to follow a love for acting despite his father being totally against it and pushing him to be a doctor. As well as Todd who is the new boy at the school and really struggles with reading out loud/public speaking. We do have other sub-plots as well-looking at first love and how the boys manage to deal with this.
Mr Keating want’s the boys to call him just that or Oh Captain, my captain – Something which really catches on with them and helps the bond grow even deeper. He becomes a figure who Neil really relates to and talks to about what he wants to do in his life. Keating encourages Neil to tell his father how he really feels and what he wants to do with his life. This really does not work at all and ends in the most tragic of ways possible, Keating being blamed as well which is totally crazy.
The film is filled with some incredible quotes and makes you think about your own life and if you can make it extraordinary as well by seizing the day. It inspires you to want more and that’s all due to the incredible performance from Robin Williams as John Keating. He has that fantastic sparkle in his eye throughout and you believe that is what he would be like as a teacher. The other thing I love about his performance in this film is that it shows how talented he is a the drama genre as well, considering he is most well-known for his comedy. He can be serious and in an amazing way!
I’ve lost count of the number of times I have seen this film and was actually surprised that I had not already wrote a review! It’s one of those films that you can watch at any time and it will leave you feeling inspired as well as a little bit sad with the end. But be prepared for the tears that Todd will bring! This was one of Ethan Hawke’s early roles and he puts in a brilliant performance, he will leave you with a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes at the end.
You go through the different emotions with the group of boys and you really feel for them. They have a lot to deal with which is part of growing up which everyone has to go through at some point. This film you will either be thinking back or living through it all. I encourage you if you have not already seen this fantastic film to watch it as soon as possible. You will not fail to be inspired after only one viewing.
