“O Captain, My Captain!” — such a corny line if uttered by an insincere boy standing awkwardly on a desk in a badly made movie.
But an inspiring line, deeply so, if recited by a good actor in a faithful film made by the great Peter Weir. And so “O Captain” and its bold call to bravery and leadership becomes an emotional clarion in the well-made coming-of-age story “Dead Poets Society.”
A caveat for parents thinking of a movie night, after this spoiler alert — the core plot of “Dead Poets” includes a suicide by one of the main young characters. It is handled as tastefully as possible and is not at all gratuitous, but if you worry about any teenagers feeling vulnerable to a discussion of suicide, you should watch it yourself first. With many mature teens, the death can prompt a valuable talk about rash decisions and what truly constitutes a life-or-death situation.
“Dead Poets” tells of life at a fictional Vermont boarding school for boys in the late 1950s. There are wonderful scenes of autumn sports and revered traditions, but Weir skillfully mixes in hints of the hidebound. Old teachers with old ideas combine with repressive parents to stifle the joy of living in some young men.
Robin Williams arrives as a new teacher who thrives on breaking the norm. He loves the school but loves the boys and their energy more; he searches for ways to inspire them without blowing up school culture.
Impressionable young students are played with a sad beauty by Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and a stellar supporting cast. The adults are well-meaning even when villainous. The mix is poignant and engrossing. Weir, director of “The Truman Show,” “The Year of Living Dangerously” and “Gallipoli” among many others, is one of the great directors of our time.
Rated: PG-13, primarily for a presentation of suicide and other scenes of rebellion.
Best suited for: Parents watching with older teenagers interested in a conversation about tradition fighting creativity.
