It seems a bit much to review a movie that is nearing twenty years old, especially a movie that made little more than a splash in the cinematic world of most folks (myself included) - so I wont. Starting a poetry unit at school though and considering using at least a few scenes from DPS forced me to watch the movie again and although I still could focus on what I did not like about the movie, I instead choose to focus on what I found valuable about the movie.
1. Life is precious; you truly must seize the day. This does not mean that every day of your life you must do something thrilling and death defying and courageous and exciting (such as skydiving), it just means that whatever you do you must do to the absolute peak of your capabilities. You may be a teacher - teach like your hair is on fire (bad book - good quote). You may be an artist - create as if it will be your enduring masterpiece. You may be a mechanic - fix everything to the absolute best of your ability. Let people around you know that you love them - not by saying it by showing it. Make yourself proud of yourself by the way you act and interact. Seize the day.
2. Life can be incredibly sad but never forget that there are people who care about you. I have never, nor will I likely ever, meet someone who absolutely no one cares about. I hope, if nothing else, that those people in my life who I care about know that I would always be there for them if they were in need and that I do in fact care.
3. Happiness is non-conformity. Find joy in being yourself. Be proud of who you are and be accepting of who other people are.
I couldn't help finding myself with chills as a teacher on occasion while watching this movie. I have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and I only hope that I can make a fraction of the difference a man like John Keating would.