DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989) FIRST TIME WATCHING - MOVIE REACTION - WOW!

Welcome to our first time watching Dead Poets Society (1989).
First time for both of us.
American coming-of-age drama film directed by Peter Weir and written by Tom Schulman. The film, starring Robin Williams, is set in 1959 at a fictional elite boarding school called Welton Academy and tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. Also starring Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles, Gale Hanson and Kurtwood Smith.
Oh wow, oh wow. We absolutely loved this. What a great film to watch together, the themes of coming of age, the father son theme and Robin Williams doing what he does best. Masterful film from the writing, direction and acting.
#deadpoetsociety #firsttime #moviereaction #reaction #moviereactionvideos #generationmediareaction #robinwilliams #reactionvideo
This video is for commentary, reactions and criticism only and is not a replacement for watching Dead Poets Society. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@christinahilt2978]

Both Neil and Todd were examples of characters living lives of quiet desperation. It took Neil’s death for Todd to realize he needed to speak up.

[@Tinker_LV426]

"Did he become an actual actor? " two great things about Junior saying this. One is he was so engrossed in the movie he forgot he was watching actors. Also it made for a terrific moment between the two of you.❤❤❤

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Ah yes, beautiful moment

[@DrVVVinK]

In a way does become a doctor an oncologist at at Princeton-Plainsboro.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

@@DrVVVinK Oh good link to a later role !

[@jesterforhire]

@@GenerationMediaReaction, the show HOUSE, MD…WITH HUGH LAURIE. Great show.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

I also thought this was a wonderful moment. I always say that the very best acting performances are those that make you forget you're watching an actor, and respond to the character as if he was a real person.

[@Hugh-S]

You know it's a heavy movie when even Jr says "oh shit" lol. Cried my damn eyes out the first time I watched this, was probably a couple of years older than Jr is here.

[@pendorran]

So ironic that Kurtwood Smith later became one of the most beloved TV dads in sitcom history. 🙂

[@susanliltz3875]

Robin Williams you should check out the beautiful movie he did with Robert De Niro called: “AWAKENING “ Robin plays a doctor who gets a job at a hospital and there are a bunch of catatonic people there, Robin realizes they’re trapped in that state and he comes up with a way to “awaken” them.Based on a true story!! So beautifully done!!!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

ooo thank you !

[@Dr_KAP]

Oh Peter Weir I heard you say! Yes indeed and he is the Australian genius behind this movie and the one who worked tirelessly with Robin to help him transition to a serious role. Peter is one of the best Directors ever and us Aussies are just a little proud!! ❤ 🐨

[@pauperedpalate]

Thanks for sharing your reaction to this poignant film. As a father and film buff, I really enjoy watching you two experience these movies together. I happened to take college acting classes with the actor who played Charlie “Nawanda” Dalton (Gale Hansen), and appeared in one production with him. Gale was always talented, and he did such a great job in this film (as they all did) that I totally forgot it was him as I watched. Keep up the reactions! You make us feel as though we are sharing our favorite films with good friends.

[@mattkevlarlarock5469]

The movie is so uplifting and inspiring and yet so so tragic. The 'my my son' line gets me every time.

[@deadpoetstodd]

This is one of the most beautiful movies i have ever seen in my life. Definitely my favourite film. The passion the boys had was one of my favourite things. The unconditional love they had for each other was so beautiful too, especially Todd, Charlie and Neil. Mr Keating too.. we have all had that one teacher that brings out the most in us.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

It’s actually quite rare for it not to have a major ‘bad’ boy character and it’s not missing at all

[@deadpoetstodd]

@@GenerationMediaReaction completely agree. I loved that about it too. None of them made fun of the poetry aspect either. Very rare but refreshing!

[@positivelynegative9149]

Not all of us.

[@romanesebilo1482]

Excellent choice, I'm so happy that you reacted to it, I recommend "Good Will Hunting" and "Catch me if you can" for an another reaction. :):)

[@DrVVVinK]

Add the Breakfast Club to that too.

[@StrudelShaft]

Good Will Hunting, great shout!!

[@mksoznot]

The way you referenced Robin at the very beginning truly made my day. He was my idol, and he still is to this day. I believe he profoundly changed our lives with his ability to make us laugh and cry. His performance in this movie was one of his best-so layered and powerful-that it gains even more depth when we reflect on how he ultimately left us Passing on Robin Williams' genius to your son ensures that his legacy remains immortal, and I'm so glad that he was able to appreciate the film in the end, even though he didn’t expect to. Another amazing upload-thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos. I never miss a single one. See you in the next video :)

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Yeah, its really sad, this film and knowing how he felt when he died.

[@mikesterling688]

This movie was already emotional, but even more so now that Robin Williams has passed. R.I.P. Robin Williams ❤️

[@bryanobrien2726]

Watching a few reactions of his movies are as close as I have come to watching one of his movies since he died . He passed the same year as my father so it brings back some rough times .

[@DrVVVinK]

Ethan Hawke said in interviews after Robin Williams died, around the time he was promoting "Boyhood", how in between takes, Robin would try to make the cast laugh, but he, Ethan, would not budge, as Ethan wanted to stay in character, so when the film wrapped Robin set Ethan up with his agent, and told him how serious he is about acting.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

oh wow, that's interesting

[@StrudelShaft]

@@DrVVVinK and on that note, Boyhood would be a good film to check out, 12 years in the making!

[@gen077]

​@@StrudelShaft one of my all time favorite movies ❤

[@msdarby515]

He also remarked about how Robin's performances for the cast during filming would take absolutely everything out of him. When called for a break everyone else would be eating, talking etcetera and Robin would sit quietly off to the side, drained.

[@carlomercorio1250]

Fun fact: The actor who played the headmaster/principal lived to the age of 106.

[@VKayed]

I think this film particularly resonates with my generation. When it hit the screens, I had just finished high school, basically I was as old as the young actors. Also shy and demure like Todd, so I identified strongly with that character. To me who never cries at movies, the final scene has always brought tears to my eyes, back in my youth to the present day. Strangely enough, I had the opportunity during my college years to play in a local adaptation of A Midsummer's Night Dream (I wasn't Puck though); great experience that reminded me of Dead Poets. Glad you two shared and exchanged on this seminal film together.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you, it’s a special film

[@potterj09]

Oh the nostalgia. The house colours, the boaters, the shoe-shine checks. Only spent 4 years in a place like this which at the time was loathsome but looking back I do have a slight fondness.

[@cloudycelt]

Oh my god i LOVE this film, so glad you've done this!!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you. We loved it! So relevant still today

[@deadlyice2042]

Some of my favorite teachers through out school that made a lasting impact on my life were english teachers i had. Any teacher that is able to impart life wisdom that matters will never be forgotten.

[@craigchalloner153]

Ends with such a powerful, unspoken moment

[@jeannieschmidt2217]

Awwww - big hugs to the both of you for getting through it. It's very hard when it takes such a drastic turn that you're not expecting. One of the saddest deaths in movie history. But the ending was one of the very BEST - because Mr. Keating's lessons were learned, understood, and practiced at the end. Half of those boys found their voice and self expression - to literally stand up for what they believed in. Fun fact - Ethan Hawke was SO young in this movie - that his own children didn't even recognize him. He said at the end of the movie - they asked where he was - and what character he played.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Wow is that right, his children didn’t recognise him? Just goes to show how strong the film is !

[@jeannieschmidt2217]

@@GenerationMediaReaction lol - yes he was SO young in this role and played such a timid and shy character - that he was totally unrecognizable to his own family. Have you and your son watched Dolphin Tail yet? It's a great family film - and one that I think you'd both enjoy. Cheers from Ontario, Canada :)

[@naiyomotion]

What a great movie to watch with your child (even if the suicide is a very heavy and sensitive scene that some kids might need some explanation for). I think young people will get a lot of the movie, but for those of us who are a bit older and have a bit more life context and experience, it hits us in a way that is impossible to really get across to the youngsters. In any case, great reaction + keep up the great work!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you. Yes this watch reminded me of our reaction to Stand By Me where the story is deep and layered resulting in very different experiences for us

[@lynnecurrie7561]

God, I miss Robin....RIP Robin.❤❤

[@JamesLMason]

This film is one of the greats. I like that you mention the soul of the film. The fact that it builds such a great soul means that it hits all the harder when it is ripped out. We get that final link back with the what the film built when they stand on their desks. Another great film with a strong father presence is The Mosquito Coast with Harrison Ford and River Phoenix.

[@VKayed]

Yes! Peter Weir's previous film before Dead Poets, and Harrison Ford's prefered character (in his own words); people need to react to that one too!

[@Dej24601]

Not sure if you were saying that there was no music before pop music? Or no music before 1959? Or no music that young people enjoyed? But there has always been what was the popular music of the time. In the early 1900’s there was ragtime music, and popular songs which people would sing together around a piano were totally the rage. During the 1930’s, jazz started and during WW2, jazz and “swing” music (and dancing) were so popular that recordings were sent to servicemen overseas. After the war, there was bebop (a kind of jazz), rhythm & blues, and in the 1950’s, cool jazz. In the early 1950’s, there were the first types of rock & roll. And of course, there always have been plenty of people who enjoyed, performed or studied classical music, opera, folk music, show tunes, ethnic music (Celtic, Slavic, “Gypsy” (Romani), Caribbean, African, Latin, etc.) There is a great film from 1993 titled Swing Kids, about the young people in Germany who loved American style jazz and swing music and dance, just before the Nazis took power and prohibited that type of “decadent music.” The Beatles often referenced their debt to musical styles before them- blues, ska, skiffle, early rock. Poetry wasn’t a replacement but was another of the many artistic endeavors to learn to appreciate- the same as novels, painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, ballet, other dance forms, theater, voice, playing an instrument, acting, photography, etc. Mr. Keating was focused on poetry but knew that learning to appreciate one type of art is connected to so many others. On a practical side, having students memorize poetry, or Shakespeare for instance, was thought to help develop concentration, memory or improve public speaking skills and was often required in schools.

[@sixtiesfreak4858]

And right before 1959 there was Sinatra, Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, and let's not forget Elvis Presley. Robin Williams's character even mentions American Bandstand, which was a TV show that featured pop stars. 😎

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

The comment was a bit bumbled because it was in midst of the film watching. Yes there was music in 1959, but what I was trying to say is that music was not as huge on impressing young people as it is today (maybe). But I viewed song lyrics as a form of poetry and was trying to say that perhaps it was not perceived this way in 1959, or not as big as what it was to become. Growing up in 80s and 90s, song lyrics and reading them on the album sleeves were a great source of poetry

[@majkus]

@@sixtiesfreak4858 Although I think the 'ratings' in American Bandstand to which Williams alluded started later than 1959.

[@dougs7367]

Guys, please add 'Empire Of The Sun' to your to-watch list You won't regret!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

We have done - but it might be in the new year (to be honest)

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

Looking forward to it.

[@BonnyT]

I second this. Absolutely love Empire of The Sun and remember watching it as a child with my dad.

[@josephsoto9933]

Super !!

[@laurenherda2415]

Yes please

[@jesterforhire]

This is one of my ALL time favorite movies. So glad you picked it. Great material to share with your precious son. It is so warm and then is such a surprise. Thanks for sharing your vulnerability with us. ❤

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you for watching. Yes it’s a very special film in encouraging young men/boys to be able to express themselves

[@that_brian_thing]

I understand some of the strictness from parents is because they worry the child won't have security in future life if they don't stick with a set plan, but this dad was too extreme. All kids need some freedom of expression and time to explore their own dreams. How sad it would be to realize years later that your life isn't yours at all, but your father's. I love this film because of the positive messages of individuality, and the supportive relationship the boys had with each other. We didn't have to see them being bullied by classmates which would have been typical for a film like this. We saw them begin to blossom as individuals. I grew up adoring Robin Williams and 10 years later it still hurts that he's gone. I did notice a major change in peoples' feeling about mental health after his suicide though. He was so beloved that people were forced to experience a better understanding of the pain that some people go through. On a lighter note, I had a wonderful laugh when your son started to ask if the character went on to become an actor. What a wonderful example of being so immersed in a film that you forget it's fiction! The filmmakers would be proud.

[@aliciasavage6801]

In the beginning when you were saying you were expecting a comedy I though "Oh no". I saw this movie when I was about your sons age and it had a profound effect on me. Like the students Mr. Keating had I believe it helped me to start thinking for myself, looking at the world from different angels (and perspectives). It may be a really sad movie but it is an important one and one of Robin Williams BEST roles.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

In the editing of this, we chuckled with that exportation of comedy as well !

[@majkus]

The actor playing "Cameron" didn't stand because the actor himself felt it would be out of character. Weir agreed.

[@acklesfloozy]

This movie beoke me when it first came out. This and Swing Kids (also with Robert Sean Leonard and also Christian Bale) formed my personality when i was young! If you want another hystory lesson, i absolutely recommend Swing Kids.

[@cfinley81]

Swing Kids was such an under-appreciated gem!

[@The.Pickle]

Heartbreaking and beautiful, deeply moving. Many, many times I wished for just one adult to teach me things with that kind of passion.

[@firebird7479]

Neil's father is Kurtwood Smith --- Red Forman on the hit US sitcom, "That 70s Show". Red is like Neil's father in many ways, controlling and demanding, but in a cranky, cantankerous manner that makes the character funny, turning insults like "dumbass" and "Kettlehead" iconic phrases that never lost their luster throughout the run of the series. Great actor.

[@jameswoods4793]

Always enjoy your reactions Great team and you are a fantastic dad i missed out on that kind of interaction with my pop. Looking forward to the next one.

[@josephsoto9933]

EXCELLENT!! Your son is blessed and you also. I was busy multi-tasking during your intro and missed any announcement if you had seen this movie earlier. I was concerned about the dramatic event at the end. So I wonder if you would have proceeded, knowing that. Fortunately the subject act was performed tactfully. I love you guys.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

I appreciate that!

[@rebeccahanson6941]

Such an incredible movie. I’ve seen it countless times. His dad knew it was his fault but it was easier to take the guilt if they could blame it on someone else.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thanks for watching

[@noelennon420]

Another Classic!

[@pendorran]

I've been watching this film since my teens and it still gets me every time even in middle age. All the more poignant since Robin Williams's passing.

[@Dej24601]

The quotes which Neil first reads in the cave are lines from “Walden Pond, or Life in the Woods” written by Henry David Thoreau who died in 1862 of tuberculosis.

[@KrazyKat007]

Looking sharp gentlemen! 👍

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thanks 👍

[@russturk4132]

I love this channel and you two. Such honest and pure reactions!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you so much!

[@forgottenpixel]

We watched this in high school English and literally like 75% of the class was sobbing. The only other time I have seen similar was when we read Where the Red Fern Grows in elementary school.

[@BrendaAnderson]

My 5th -grade teacher read Where the Red Fern Grows to us out loud, one chapter a day. I remember the entire class really crying and crying, including our teacher. I'm amazed she was able to get through it. What a wonderful book.

[@LeonaLinscott-cy6dz]

I was in 5th grade as well. So many tears, not a dry eye in the room. I think a couple of kids left class they were so emotional. Beautiful & heartbreaking, much like this film.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

I actually think this is one of the greatest movies ever made. Especially for young people to see during teenage years. But the messages SHOULD resonate with people of all ages.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

To find the courage of your own voice, everyone should relate to this

[@janetlilley8970]

An incredible film, so many wonderful lessons in life. Todd finds his voice at last, in a difficult situation & others follow. Neil was a likeable, friendly leader - & yet he could not find his voice with his Father, sadly 😢

[@gember1382]

What a hard, but wonderful film to watch for a father and son. 2 beautiful souls you are ❤. I love your connection. "I encourage your not knowing"...some powerful words 🙏

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you so much!

[@sushi_donut]

I kind of feel like, similar to Dead Poets Society, this channel is so much more than just a reaction channel: A father and son get to have an open and honest conversation over a piece of art, share/express deep levels of emotion through it, and sometimes have to navigate difficult subjects like 'Jar-Jar Binks' . 😅🥹😭 Jokes aside, I know a lot of us wish it were like this growing up, but it's also a beautiful example of what's possible becoming a parent in the future. Congrats, gents!! Many thanks.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Having loved films for such a long time and them being part of growing up, I’ve after questioned internally ‘why do we like to watch films’. I still don’t know the answer, but it lies somewhere in the place of storytelling where two or more people can watch the same film, and discuss different reactions to it

[@incredibleadventures1027]

Great choice!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you !

[@melaniejones1835]

Puck as a Shakespearean character is a fairy-imp, and he embodies freedom, play, and facilitating love between the main characters; he is the exact opposite of Neil's present and future. The most tragic scene in this movie is when the father tells Neil to "speak up," and Neil realizes that Mr. Keating is wrong -- his father will never understand, and will never let him live the life he wants, because his father will never *hear* what he says. He might as well stay silent, because no one will listen. Military school of that time would strip him of his soul, and college (if he was even allowed to go) would be paid for and so continually controlled by his dad. So Neil's future was not just not getting to be an actor, but being controlled financially well into adulthood with medical school, and/or being drafted into a war and potentially having to kill people. Second you guys a million times: LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

Neil's dad invites/commands him to "Tell me what you feel!" I agree that this is the most tragic moment. Because (in the words of writer John Valentine) if you can't bring yourself to ask for what you want, you're very unlikely to get it. Despite everything, there is an opening there. If Neil had had the courage to follow Keating's advice and seize the day in that moment, who knows what might have happened? Neil's dad is a controlling bully, but he's not a mind reader. The tragedy is that Neil doesn't even try. Neil literally would rather die than tell his father how he feels.

[@TTM9691]

Those suits are fantastic!!!! :D

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Back to school !

[@djgrant8761]

Elements from this film were taken from the school I was educated at. In 1994 our school performed this film on the stage.

[@pendorran]

Norman Lloyd, who played Headmaster Nolan, lived to be over 100 years old and still played tennis every day almost to the end. He started out working for Orson Welles in the theatre in the 1930s and in films for Alfred Hitchcock in the 1940s. Prior to the 1980s he only acted part-time, working behind the scenes the rest of the time. Prior to 'Dead Poets Society' he was best known for playing a kindly doctor and hospital administrator on TV for several years just prior.

[@pacio49]

My favorite part about Dead Poet's Society is how absolutely perfectly timed in my life's arc it was. I was 17. Struggling to accept myself as gay. I went to see that movie with my best friends from high school, on the movie's opening run, the Saturday after we had all just graduated high school and were about to go off to university. The theater was one of the larger theaters in the multiplex at the mall, in 1989. The emotional response of the audience was raw. And it was the cherry on top of the sundae of my childhood. It impacted directly my young philosophy, and it is 100% the foundation of who I grew up to be in terms of the approach to life. I took "the road less traveled by", and sometimes part of "all the difference" that makes was that it made some parts of life a lot harder than they needed to be, but in the end, what a very different life I've lived so far, and how marvelous the time that might yet remain. Carpe Diem indeed. And the thing of it is, I didn't consciously choose to emulate the philosophy of this movie. I was Gen X and we just quoted the movies we liked. So I quoted Dead Poets enough that it became a personal mantra. Frost, and Henry David Thoreau, and Whitman, and Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes, and Aida Limon, and Rupi Kaur, and Audre Lorde, and oh too many to mention them all... America loves its poets. We don't brag about it much. It's not really all that well celebrated in mainstream media, but poetry in America is alive and well, and people still love to discuss their favorites even today. If you enjoy literature at all, treat yourself to a survey of American Poetry. We wouldn't have a strong music or film industry if we didn't first have a strong understated love as a culture for our poets.

[@rrmemphis427]

What a fantastic movie. A gut punch every time. Always love your reactions!

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

You're the best!

[@gen077]

I loved watching you two react to this masterpiece. I was about Jr's age when it came out, for a long time it was my favorite movie. I see how Jr was touched by the themes of this timeless movie just like i was when i first watched it. Love the conversation you have after watching it together. I love your channel, you guys are great! On another note, if you want to see more of Ethan Hawk's amazing acting skills, i would recommend watching Alive and Boyhood.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you so much, doing these videos actually allows for more conversations between us than otherwise perhaps would not have happened. Movies are great for this

[@cog4life]

I have heard it said “If you’re able to do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”😊

[@pendorran]

I want to say again that you are so clearly a good and wonderful father.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you

[@susannariera]

This movie is so inspiring and heartbreaking! Also, there're a few movies based on Midsummer Night's Dream. The last one with an amazing cast, including Sam Rockwell, Christian Bale, Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer....and no, they are not animals, it's about humans, fairies, spirits of the woods, magic and love...

[@msdarby515]

When I saw you were watching this film I worried that it might be a bit too much for a son so young and his loving father. I can't tell you what it meant to me when you said to him that he should always come talk to you.❤❤❤ and you are correct. The line "my son, oh my son" was delivered so masterfully that it haunts me every time I see this movie.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you

[@pattycarljackson]

This is one of my top films ever made.

[@majkus]

The thing about comics is that they can turn in astonishingly good dramatic performances. Rod Serling discovered this when he cast clown Ed Wynn ("Uncle Albert" in Mary Poppins) in a serious role in the live TV drama, 'Requiem For a Heavyweight', and later in pretty much straight roles in The Twilight Zone. Steve Martin was excellent playing it straight in 'Roxanne'. And Williams can break your heart in this film.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Roxanne is on our list ! “ I was afraid of Worms, Roxanne!”

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

​@@GenerationMediaReaction ROXANNE (1987), as you may know, is based on the classic play CYRANO DE BERGERAC, by Edmond Rostand. In 1988, Robin Williams and Steve Martin appeared together in a stage production of Samuel Beckett's WAITING FOR GODOT at Lincoln Center in New York. This production was recorded, but it has never been commercially released.

[@majkus]

Although 'queer readings' of films and books are perilous, and too often belittle authorial intent, reading Neil (and Todd) as at least a metaphor for the experience of gay teens is almost obligatory here. Boys' prep schools have always had at least a hint of homoromanticism (even going back to Tom Brown's School Days), and this is no exception. But beyond that, the father's downright disgust with Neil performing in the play is hard to fathom unless there is some inference of homosexuality present. And what play? You ask why Midsummer Night's Dream was chosen-in this play, Neil is literally playing a fairy. You are right; the writers chose this play for a reason. It would not be the same if Neil were playing Romeo (or even Mercutio). Oh, and that side character isn't a horse, he is an ass (donkey). A character named Bottom whom Puck gives an ass's head as a joke. Do see it. There's a reason that Shakespeare's work endures.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Ah thank you. Yes good insight to this.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

In my opinion, Neil and Todd are "queer coded." They're written so they can be plausibly interpreted as gay or straight depending on the viewer's ... uh, preference? But I agree that there's a strong implication that at the very least a metaphor for homosexuality is presented in the film. The point about Neil literally playing a fairy is a very good one. And I find it very interesting to compare DEAD POETS SOCIETY to ANOTHER COUNTRY (1984), in which a gay relationship between two students at a British boys' boarding school in the 1920s is presented more openly.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

The school annual is the yearbook.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Ah! Thank you

[@firebird7479]

8:44 This shot and the dialogue foreshadow Neil's death.

[@jaybo4999]

This is my favorite movie.

[@Shuttlenut29]

Knowing what was coming in this film I was a little worried it would be too much. Nice to see you check in "are you okay?" after that sequence. Strongly recommend you watch both October Sky and The Dish, I think you'd greatly enjoy both.

[@Jmiranda70]

As great as this film is, and one of my top favorites, I consider it Robin Williams 2nd best film. Good Will Hunting is his best film. I remember when Williams passed many including myself posted “Oh Captain, My Captain” on social media in tribute to him

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Oh wow, it was so sad that he died

[@salemanna]

The reason the parents needed somebody to blame is because the father is incapable of taking responsibility. He is a narcissist and a victim. I saw this in the theater a couple months after my brother died by suicide with a gun. I cried for a day afterwards. If you are taking recommendations The In Laws (the original) Midnight Run with DeNero Gattaca Dark City Thank you for your great videos

[@oaktree1628]

This was one of my favorite films growing up in the 80s. Carpe Diem has stuck with me ever since. Glad you guys enjoyed it as well! PS - if you would like another great “coming of age” American film from the same period to watch and review, may I suggest SCENT OF A WOMAN (1992?) with Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell.

[@kathleenclark815]

You have a very emotionally mature youg man there!

[@ludovicoc7046]

Kurtwood Smith as bad dad = Clarence Boddicker. Kurtwood Smith as good dad = Red Forman (That '70s Show).

[@melcompton7866]

Being that you were both touched by the emotional components and heavy themes of this movie, I would consider watching a few of Robin Williams' other deeply emotional films: Good Morning Vietnam, Patch Adams, Jack, Hook, Bicentennial Man, and What Dreams May Come. Each is a masterpieces in its own right. What Dreams May Come, in particular, rocked me to my core. It's also the film in which Robin Williams' character reminds his daughter, Zoe, the most of her dad in real life. Be prepared, though, it is *not* for the faint of heart, as it tries to answer up some deep and sometimes scary philosophical questions about life, love, and what happens after we die... Bring tissues. 😭

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

I like THE NIGHT LISTENER (2006).

[@msdarby515]

Midsummer Night's Dream absolutely has a message in this movie. Its themes of imagination, fantasy, and the power of dreams are essentially Keating's message of "seize the day". He encourages the boys to be themselves, to think for themselves, and his "unorthodox" teaching methods include those lessons. Puck is a mischievous and free spirited, playfully deceptive character who represents freedom, creativity, and the pursuit of one's desires. Absolutely everything that Neil longs for. He puts on pucks costume, I believe, before he kills himself to exert that characteristic and his choice to not live a life chosen for him. There is also the Christian aspect of wearing the thorn of crowns, possibly a representation of sacrificing himself for his love of art. Or maybe even more deeply, for the sins of his father. An idea a friend shared with me is that Midsummer Night's Dream is a spring play and Puck simply couldn't survive in winter, and to Niel, life without his art was cold and dark. 😢

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you for writing this. It all makes sense. I knew that Puck had to have been chosen for a reason. Interesting the observation of Puck not surviving winter, and how cold it was outside.

[@martinmayhew145]

Tradition vs. free thinking, which one won?

[@KrazyKat007]

Recommendation for a film “Ed Wood” (1994) Directed by Tim Burton Based on a true story. Ed Wood was a notorious director from 1950s Hollywood. Ed Wood’s claim to fame is that some time after his death, he was voted the worst movie director of all time. His most well known film “Plan 9 From Outer Space” has been called the worst movie of all time. Tim Burton’s “Ed Wood” captures the spirit of an independent artist beautifully. All the struggles that go with having a burning passion and vision. “Ed Wood” is the best film about filmmaking.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

YES!!! And perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!

[@cog4life]

😓👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤ such a beautiful, but tragic story.

[@leeyaferguson9019]

Oh captain, my captain. 😌

[@eamonnevans8005]

By far the best reaction so far! One word sum up the scene so well - 56:05

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

hehe

[@freddiegillespie_05]

The thing about the father is he would be of the age that grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II. As Neal says, they're not rich. So you know his father had made many sacrifices to get his son into that school. He is controlling, but it's because he wants to protect his son from the life he has had. And this was the 1950s. So that's what a loving father looks like.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

it's very understandable, but i guess like with all fathers, it's a good lesson in this film to remember the son/daughter's point of view

[@ashrak12]

You should watch Patch Adams another Robin Williams movie. It's a very good movie.

[@shercahn]

I'm getting caught up after the Hurricane Helene disaster but wanted to say I'm glad I can reference "D" and "J". I'm assuming it's just the letters, just like MIB. It's quicker than typing Dad/son lol

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Yes we had lots of references you son/young one/ junior etc so we thought D and J would be more friendly 😎

[@keetahbrough]

20:02 i actually thought of Hogwart's lol ^_^

[@cog4life]

I thought it was a knife at first as well, J. 😢

[@j_go.]

15:10 I guess just children's rhymes. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were influenced by African American blues musicians. I love that Mick Jagger became good friends with those poor blues musicians and even bought a house for one of them.

[@8mycake244]

I taught English in an American high school. I wanted so much to be Williams' character, but reality so often has a way to slap you down into place. Ha. There wasn't a great script for me to follow. Enjoyed the reaction. Are the ties associated with either one of your schools?

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thanks, yes these are actual school ties

[@bobbrown200]

One of my favorite movies! Great reaction!!! WHY THE CRAP DID THEY CUT THE SOUND AT THE END!!!!!!😡🤬

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Which sound do you mean?

[@positivelynegative9149]

The collect call joke is wasted on later generations. 🤣

[@Jmiranda70]

It seemed to me that in the beginning you were expecting it to be a comedy because Robin Williams was it. At some point you must have realized that this isn’t a comedy 🤣

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

I know ! 😂

[@josephsoto9933]

(Addendum)....Ivy League, yes refers to the most prominent, higher level university.....it comes from the fact they are very old and established. Ivy because they are so old that "ivy" has grown over and covered the building walls. In college athletics the Ivy League is made up of schools like Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth and a few others.

[@5hanesBoard]

.....a very different character in Robocop! Now that would be a great movie reaction, unless perhaps it's a bit too graphic.

[@cog4life]

1:14:14 I may have a cup of green tea as well. 😢

[@prescottlange]

May I recommend Born on the Fourth of July with Tom Cruise? Probably his best ever performance.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thank you, never saw it actually. Is ok for kids?

[@prescottlange]

@@GenerationMediaReaction Yes...except there is one scene with full female nudity. It occurs in a brothel (I know, I know...) later in the film, and you'll know when it's about to happen. Even though it's not gratuitous and is poignant to the character's development, it can still be skipped for your son's sake without him losing much understanding of the character's plight. Aside from that, it's fine. I actually saw this movie in theaters when I was around your son's age. It left a positive, permanent impression. Btw, it's based on a true story.

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

@@prescottlangeok interesting, thank you for suggesting this

[@mariannehavisham8323]

This is based on a true story

[@davidmichaelson1092]

I am not a fan of the Romantics (poetry or painting) with a few exceptions. I am more of a T.S. Eliot fan (e.g. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock) and the Beat poets (Ginsberg's Howl) and the Impressionist and posr-Impressionist painters far into Modern Art). But this movie and the book Fall of Hyperion (sequel to Hyperion) as well as the book Frankenstein makes me appreciate the Romantics a bit more.

[@aranerem5569]

Have you seen the movie Haywire?

[@anaacevedo2263]

Hello. Thank you for reacting to the movie, " Dead Poet's Society". Can you please react to the movies E.T. , Titanic, Jo Jo Rabbit, No way out, Coco , Encanto, Gladiator, Brave Heart, One Flew Over the Coo Coo's Nest and Simon Birch?

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Thanks for watching - we have Gladiator planned to coincide with the release of it's sequel very soon!

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

They've already done TITANIC (1997), and I believe they mentioned that they had already watched E.T. (1982) before starting the channel. Correct me if I'm wrong, D. COCO (2017) would be seasonally appropriate for Halloween/Day of the Dead in the next four weeks (through November 2nd).

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

@@oliverbrownlow5615 Yes we have done Titanic. We have seen ET, but it was 4 years ago. There might be something in revisiting it now that J is a bit older. We have something special planned for Halloween 👻

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

@@GenerationMediaReaction I don't mind a re-watch, especially of a film as great as E.T., as long as it is clearly identified as such. Looking forward to your Halloween surprise. 🎃

[@anthonyguadagnino2681]

You guys need to do good will hunting starting Williams and Matt Damon and Ben affleck

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

We definitely will, we may do some other Robin Williams films to build up to it as well

[@joeyrossetti13]

Sad that Robin Williams student committed suicide when Robin Williams hung himself in real life

[@keetahbrough]

I'm Indigenous.. Cree, specifically. Trafficked out as a baby, given to rich white parents.. who took our instruction seriously. Ballet and piano lessons for me, and hockey and sports for my brother, who was the actual child thee parents wanted to have, because he was a boy. I was a tag-a-long adoptee, but grateful for it! My point is that we have SERIOUS PROBLEMS, in the 70's.. not just us but the parents, who were trying to give us everything there is to experience, about this system and it's benefits. So.. they accessed the private sectre. For my brother.. the bigotry was life threatening. For me.. it was soul destroying.. because it is VERY CLEAR that only white folks are allowed in these places, because they're teaching you how to BE a White Supremacist. The parents are invested! you got to be VERY CONNECTED.. for these 'schools'. I don't think I gotta SAY.. how I feel about all that, do I? xo :) I absolutely love this movie.. it's one of my all time favorites. Love Robin Williams in it.. when Robin passed.. I cried for days. And when jimmy Fallon gave his tribute to him, he stood up on his sets' table and stood up to bid farewell.. Good Night, Oh Captain, My Captain. There was no better tribute, imho. xo ^_^

[@jesterforhire]

I’m so sorry for what you had to go through. This Country owes you.

[@isuckatguitar6252]

Amazing & beautiful film, I was worried it might be a bit heavier than u expected.🥲

[@GenerationMediaReaction]

Yes perhaps, but on refection, the tough theme was dealt with very well

[@isuckatguitar6252]

@@GenerationMediaReaction And u guys recieved it well too.