FIRST TIME WATCHING: Dead Poets Society...O CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!! 

When Todd, overcome with grief at the death of Neil, screams in the snow… he finds his barbaric yawp. And it’s Neil’s name.

I actually once read the theory that Neil's acting is a metaphor for his homosexuality and that's why his father's inability to accept him is so extreme to him, especially back then. It fits the dialogues between him and Mr. Keating very well and also explains the romantic tension between him and Todd (in my opinion). Great reaction and commentary, guys!

The really ironic thing about this movie is that not only did Ethan Hawke struggle horribly in school, he actually dropped out of college when he got this role. He recently showed it to his son for the first time, and an hour in the little brat said "So when do you come in?"

This would be a great time for a Good Will Hunting reaction. Robin Williams was such a brilliant actor.

Neil’s death has always been so sad, but especially hard now due to the circumstances of Robin’s death. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. The world is better with you in it-I promise.

The poem "O Captain, My Captain" actually parallels the movie in many ways; victory and loss are closely intertwined throughout the poem, as in the movie. And when freedom and the power of thought meet expectations and social conformity, we see how important it is to think for your own, to express yourself, to live. But it also comes at a cost. A cost that can separate the free from the many.

Robin Williams 💔 that was the one celebrity death that hit the hardest

Arguably my favorite Robin Williams performance

Damn, the world misses Robin William's light. O captain, my captain indeed.

The strict view of growing up in the 50's is a huge part of the feel of this film. The United States coming out of World War II and the Great Depression before that, parents wanted their children to have the opportunities they did not have. It was expected for the children to be better off than their parents but that does not allow them to grow in the directions they want, causing a deep seated pressure and stress.

Fun(?)-fact: the Dean was played by the great Norman Lloyd, who passed away in May of 2021-- at the ripe old age of 106. Yup, 106. He was one of the last living links to the likes of Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock. Indeed, Lloyd's first movie saw him falling off The Statue of Liberty for Hitchcock. And, later, as a producer and occasional director, he was one of the first people to hire Stanley Kubrick. He acted in movies for a whopping 73 years, from Sabotage in 1942 to Amy Schumer's Trainwreck in 2015 when he was 100 years old.

oh my GOD y’all don’t know how i YELLED when i saw this reaction, one of my favorite movies so glad you guys are watching it!!!!

another very impactful movie for me growing up was the perks of being a wallflower!! it deals with a lot of mental health issues and trauma, but in a beautiful way if that makes sense

The "sweaty-toothed madman" scene always gets me. I was the shy, awkward artsy kid in high-school, and too shy to express myself, so it's really relatable. Keating represents the generation before the Hippies, called the Beatniks. Todd and the others are the Boomers, who became Hippies. Keep in mind, this film takes place in the early '60s, so Beatnik Keating is trying to inspire the Flower Children... That said, I'd be interested in seeing your reactions to "Rebel Without A Cause" and "On the Road." Kerouac was a great read when I was younger (I'm Gen-X).

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.

Part of the reason this film gives off that authentic feel imo is because it is partially based on the life and experiences of the screenwriter

Legitimately my most favorite movie. I also found it in high school when I was very much a Todd Anderson, crippling social anxiety. It meant so much to me then, and now at 24, as I prepare to become a teacher, it still means the world to me. I’m so glad you like the movie. It makes me so happy to see others fall in love with it.

Regarding Ninetailbrush's comments on importance of things at certain points of your life. Something that actually helped me a lot in my youth was reading the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy books. A weird source of deep philosophy I know. But what I got out of it is that how sometimes the most important thing in your entire life is galactically insignificant. But sometimes the smallest little detail changes the universe. It really helped me balance out my own perception of importance, for the good and bad things that happen in life.

The first time I watched this movie it was me and my three brothers. All of us were sobbing by the end of it. My youngest brother cried so hard because he wanted to know what happened to all the other Dead Poets.

I would be missing this reaction because I can’t watch any Robin Williams movie without crying. He was too pure for this world. May his soul rest in peace.

I get goosebumps when Todd stands on the desk and says "O Captain my Captain"

I watched this movie for the first time in middle school, our Italian language teacher put it on for us. I cried so hard that day that they had to calm me down after the movie ended. It had a very powerful impact on me and still to this day it's part of my life and one of my favorite movies

"Neil loved acting" I've seen this movie 5 times, I've read the book and seen it as a theatrical this scene always makes me cry, the worst part wasn't the cheating it was that Cameron dishonored Neil's want and love for acting to save himself from a situation he putted himself into it. He was a grown man he could avoid it. And lied about Keating too, Keating told them about it but it wasn't his group it was theirs and even if Neil didn't suicide himself it would have other consequences anyway. It would be very different to be known by someone else who wasn't in the group. Neil died considering him as a friend even if they had differences he betrayed his memory. A memory of a young man full of dreams. Neil was the most enthusiastic of all, maybe he could have succed the most things than the others but he didn't catch unfortunately. Some of them didn't know what they wanted to do with life, others would do what their parents wanted for them but Neil who was the only one trying and sucking the narrow of life couldn't do what he wanted and loved because of his father and a jealous and brainless rat destroyed all the others using his death.

Point of information: This film, although made in the late 80's , the story is set in 1950's New England.

This is the movie that inspired me to be a writer. I first saw this when I was 16 and got me to read a lot more than I already did lol. Also, the guy that played Neil in this is in another really good movie called Swing Kids (it’s about young people rebelling with dance during Nazi Germany. It also has Christian Bale in it too- it’s actually a really good movie and the ending to that movie is also really powerful.

I watched this movie when I was in high school (also a private school), in the deepest depth of depression. It made me cry SO hard, but made me feel "normal" as well - that there were people out there who felt the same way I did.

First off, thank you for doing this reaction and treating the film with your usual empathy and intelligence. Second, I second the people who have called for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but also What Dreams May Come (more Robin Williams). Both are incredible explorations of trauma and community and the uncertainty of our lives. Each in their own way is stunning, each tells a story that breaks your heart to help it be open.

The problem with Neil's father is that he sees him more as an extension of himself than he does a whole other person; he has this preconcieved version of Neil that he's built up in his mind, so much so that he projects his own expectations and notion of success onto Neil, and becomes apoplectic with rage if Neil ever so thinks of "defying" said expectations. Mr Perry loves the idea of what Neil could be in the future and how it would reflect on himself, so much more than he loves Neil. His love for his son is entirely conditional.

Oh I bawled at the end of this movie. This was an amazing film and I have a newfound appreciation for it.

I absolutely adore dead poets society with my whole heart. I remember my freshmen year my piano teacher (not english lol) put it on before Christmas break and it captivated me ever since. such a powerful film, though Neil’s death makes me tear up every time :( the poor boy didn’t deserve to die. loved him and Todd’s relationship, and the overall message in general

What?! You're watching my favorite movie ever and I've never been this early?! Okay I'll calm down now and watch it.

You guys' movie choices are ✨impeccable✨

I think this is such an important film because it’s so applicable to everyone not just young people. Even as adults, our world reflects the point this movie makes, that if you do not know your own mind you cannot truly live. I mean even social media reflects how acceptance and conformity controls us and that is a struggle for us all. How often do we really think for ourselves and how often to we suppress our voice? It’s so relevant to real life. Also the interesting thing about Neil’s arc is that initially I felt the father was to blame because his control over Neil’s life but while I do think he was part of the problem, ultimately Neil hadn’t grown to accept himself fully. Neil may have found his passion in acting yet he was consumed by his need to be understood and accepted by his father. But acceptance and belief can only come from yourself. Of course our parent’s opinion matters but as Keating tried to teach them, individuality requires separation…stepping away/ rising above to see things better. And to your final point about parents controlling their children….as with everything in life, the driving force is fear….both for selfish and selfless reasons. If a child has a mind of their own how can you control them or guide them or protect them? I don’t think being over controlling helps but no-one can really understand the fear that comes with being a parent until you become one yourself to be honest….

Love Robin. I remember being really little and out with my grandma and he just happened to pass us by whilst surrounded by a group of people. I didn’t realize it until they had already passed. Big fan of his, and one of the few celebrity deaths that still hits me to this day.

I teached a lot of children. Children are not dumb, just little. Every child has a young pesonality, and if you handle them that way, they will love you for it. And if they love you, than, and just than can you give them something, what will in their personality forever! This movie is awsome! Mr. Keating the real TEACHER!

I love this movie, but I always start to sob after Neal. It hurts every time.

@26:00 _Even if you believe in spanking, there is something objectively wrong with spanking a 17 y.o._ Yes, but I believe even spanking kids is wrong. Interestingly, Gale Hansen who played Charlie Dalton was close to being 29 y.o. when the movie was shot. Much older than someof the other actors here, llike for instance Ethan Hawke (playing Todd Anderson) who was 19 y.o. then, or Robert Sean Leonard (playing Neil Perry) who was 20.

❤ Robert Sean Leanord almost as much as I love Robin Williams.

"I've got to tell you what I feel!" ... "nothing..." That wasn't just him backing out. That was the truth, too.

Ethan Hawks daughter is Robyn at Scoops Ahoy in stranger things season 3..

Robin is one of my fav actors! He is the great! Especially in “What Dreams May Come”, “Jack”, «Mrs. Doubtfire» and «Bicentennial Man».

Absolutely love this movie !!! Oh Captain, My Captain!!!

I briefly taught piano lessons to some of the children at my former church. I taught my students by the songs in their books, but one of my students in particular had a harder time playing by the notes and was much better at playing by ear and experimentation/improvisation. Generally I would use the last 5 or so minutes to let my students experiment on the piano or play whatever songs they wanted, because I did want them to get a taste of just playing around with music. At first I really pushed the one student who struggled playing by the notes, and after a time she was able to focus and played the songs in her book perfectly. But then I saw the look on her face: she was so repressed and unhappy. That's when I knew, I had to change the way I taught her. My other students were relatively fine playing by the notes, and may have even preferred it. But what was the point of teaching her how to play the piano if she was miserable while learning? From that point on, I still had my student learn by the notes a little, but her lessons became primarily focused on teaching her how to best play by ear. She improved drastically. I would tell my students, "My job isn't to teach you how to play the piano. My job is to teach you how to fall in love with music. Because if I can teach you to love music, then you will continue learning to play the piano (or any instrument) not because your parents make you, but because you want to."

Indeed Todd's barbaric yawp was that of his classmate, best friend and lost brother Neil... but it was also that of Neil's poor mother. Only hers wasn't barbaric. Hers was the heart-breaking cry of grief and despair of a devastated mother having just lost her only beloved son... and it guts me every single time I hear it. She was the one who I felt the most heartache for and I just wanted to reach out and hug that poor woman. She can be my Mom if she wants to. 💝🌺🌺

I remember this movie while in real time in the 80's. I recall entire cast doing interview on Phil Donahue talk show. Does anyone know who Phil Donahue is now? My generation does. It's just a brilliant movie. The acting and writing was just so on point. Much Respect.

This wasn’t set in the 80’s. It was set in the 50’s! But I’m really glad that you guys like this so much. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would highly, HIGHLY recommend the movies With Honors and School Ties. They are both Brendan Fraser movies from around the same time period. They are both pretty powerful. I think you guys would like them.

So crazy that 1989, the year this came out (and hit me like a ton of bricks in the theater as a kid), is now longer ago than the late 1950s it took place in was from its '89 release date. Ugh. Makes me feel old. And grown up. Which is okay. I got to grow up with movies as good as this.

I had to study this movie in high school for Higher Grade English (visual literacy) and I loved it. I remember being one of the few teens who thought it was a cool movie, which made me very uncool 😂.

i've avoided rewatching this movie bc of how much it made me cry years ago but i'm willing to rewatch it with you guys 😭

The actor who played the headmaster, Norman Lloyd, only died two months ago at the age of 106

That crap happened to me and a number of my friends in public high school, and yeah, it's weird in any context when a grown man paddles a teenage boy.

I love that movie... as much as I love Ninetailedbrush😔✌

Gosh how much I loved your reaction 😭 This movie means the world to me and I got emotional while watching you guys watching it. Plus as always, I loved your after talk, I'm always looking forward to that part. 💜 Guys, if you liked this movie you might also like 'Mona Lisa smile' with Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst and other awesome actresses in the leading roles. It has a similar theme like 'dead poets society'.

Omg this is my top 5 favorite movies, didn’t think you guys would react to this

It's the way that, in recent interviews, it was revealed that the idea of making Neil and Todd a tragic love story to emulate Romeo and Juliet almost happened... Oh how amazing that could have been

explaining to him who robin williams was sorta hurt my heart. I highly suggest a bunch of Robin films to get him caught up. All the way from the creepy One Hour Photo, the dark comedies like Death to Smoochie to his more heartfelt roles and his kid movies. I feel like your guys would really enjoy What Dreams May Come

Great reaction, guys! Just a note - the movie was made in the 80s, but the story takes place in 1959.

One if my top ten favorite movies. And one of my favorite performances from robin Williams.

aww the young Josh Charles..loved him as Will Gardner in The Good Wife

I LOVE this movie thoroughly! That "rugby" scene with "Ode an die Freude" was awesome. I guess Mr. Nolan put the "Whelt" in "Whelton"

Ethan Hawke was a child actor. I remember him from way back in Explorers (1985).

Robert Sean Leonard was awesome opposite Hugh Laurie in House.

OMG I was so shocked/happy to see the notification and when I realized that you reacted to DEAD POETS SOCIETY. I love this movie it's so good svxbsksk

one of the most amazing final scenes of any film. and it didn't register until the third or fourth time i saw it that cameron, the rat, is reading the passage that neil read in their first class. talk about irony.

Spanking is immoral in principle, regardless of the age of the child involved. It's also not effective at actually teaching children why their actions are wrong.

Ok had to clear up the time's, the movie takes place in the 50s but was filmed in the 80s

Oh, this is one of my favourite movies. Although, I saw it when I was very young. And I thought that all American schools were like the one depicted in the movie! By the way, although the movie was made in the 80’s, judging by the wardrobe, I’m pretty sure that the story is set in the 50’s.

holy shit, i’m so excited to see y’all watch this! it’s one of my favorites as well and i love seeing others react to it

I surprised you guys reacted to this one of my favourite movies, Thankyou for checking this one out !! 💗💗

oh captain my captain

From a 51 year old father and high school teacher. Thank you for your insights.

One of my favorite movies of all time! Such a good watch can't wait for the next one

its about finding your voice and actually having that voice be heard.

After more than 30 years i still love this movie...

Such an emotionally powerful film

Such an incredible movie, truly masterfully crafted! Long live the great Robin Williams, a tremendous talent gone too soon 😔♥️

i love this movie!! im glad you guys are reacting to it

Character develops when your dreams turn to memories, whether you succeed or fail. And you can quote me.

My favorite movie!!! So excited to watch this. I started a Dead Poet's Society with my friends when I was in a post-high school seminary and we'd sneak onto the roof and read stuff. Robin Williams really was such a treasure but so many of the young actors in this are amazing too. Also the score is one of my favorite things. The score and the cinematography are underrated. Though of course the writing and acting are wonderful.

I am so glad that you reacted to this😊 I love this movie ❤

Great reaction guys. This film doesn't get the recognition it should. I agree, Good Will Hunting, is another jewel in Robin Williams crown, and has one of the greatest monologues in movie history.. Here are some other quality drama rec's for your polls, if you haven't seen any of them: More Peter Weir films. Witness (1985). THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998) Also two wonderful Frank Darabont/Stephen King collaborations: The Shawshank Redemption (1994) The Green Mile (1999)

A metaphor for success is lighting a campfire. You need the foundation items like the fire pit, kindling, dry wood, and a stack of wood to keep it going. But you also need the flame, a match, a lighter or something. Just having the foundation wood gets you no results. And just having the match gives you 5 seconds of tiny fire and then a burnt finger. You need both. The colloquial criticism of religious boarding schools, private academies and military schools is that they often give you all the foundation wood and tinder, taught you how to build the fire, but then confiscated your matches. So you end up with a pile of wood and kindling but no matches, no lighter, no one even taught you how to properly rub sticks together. For a child raised in an inspirational home, with friends and a playground and a shopping mall there is a lot of opportunity for them to find a flame. A lighter, or a match or a magnifying glass figuring out how to rub those sticks together. So there is a chance they come out of childhood with both a decent stack of firewood and a flame, if you studied your basics while also finding your flame. Sure the foundation may not be as perfect, but the results can be the same or better.

I really enjoyed your analysis - very insightful. I've not seen it for years, probably time to dut it off and give it another go.

What a film & that line at the end! 😭 Please do Good Morning Vietnam with Robin Williams - he ad-libbed a lot. A funny & moving film ❤

Oh my god this Is my favorite movie ever ❤️❤️ I can't believe you reacted to this. Thank you guys

My cousin Simone watched this 15! times in the cinema back in the days. Still today the message is important. Great movie. Love your reaction. Greetings from Germany

Guys you should also consider reacting to Good Will Hunting and The birdcage. great performance from Robin Williams and great stories in these two films.

One the best films. Carpe Diem and March to your own beat.

Realizing that your parents are just human and muddling their way through life their damn selves and this NOT all knowing is one of the hardest and best lessons to learn. It was comforting thinking my parents had all the answers and I would have them when I grew up as well. (That was a fucking BUST)lol. I think each generation has a responsibility to challenge rethink the previous gens ideals and methods and ideas. It’s the only way we progress as a human society. Like great cool we have bill of rights that covers civil liberties, but why only that? Just before he died Franklin Rosevelt proposed an Economic Bill of rights. Why stop there even? Why not have a social justice Bill of rights and an Environmental Bill of rights. People get bogged down too much in the status quo. I think the concept of tradition can be a toxic limiting ideal. (That’s the way it’s always been mentality) it’s a false notion anyway.

great commentary guys!!!! 💜

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!! I Freaked out when I saw the upload but I had to wait bc I was in class🥴

This is my favorite movie so far, can't watching it without crying, 💔🥺

This is one of my favorite movies. I've watched it many many times throughout the years. Nice to see you two reviewing it and enjoying it. Also, not sure if you've realized it or not by now, since this comment is being made months after your reaction was posted, but this is not Ethan Hawke's first movie role. His first movie role was in a movie called, "The Explorers" which is another favorite movie of mine that I watched tons of times when I was kid. If you haven't seen it, you two should check it out.

You should watch the perks of being a wallflower

I hate schools that indoctrinate & dictate students. Every student needs a teacher like Mr. Keating to help them think out of the box, be creative, original, brave and also to think for themselves.

wow listened to your thoughts till the last second of the video and didn't even notice it

"If you don't know who Robin Williams is" you might have grown up on an isolated island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.

a very underrated film that I think is genius is Lucky Number Sleven...you have no idea what is happening as you watch it and then it all comes together in the end...I think you guys will love it

Love, love, love this film!

Now you have to react to Good Will Hunting (1997)! Another phenomenal performance by Robin Williams.