Young people love movies, especially about young people in love. But sometimes the love is not of the romantic variety but is, instead, a love of a more abstract ideal like excellence, patriotism, competition, or authenticity. Chariots of Fire (1981) and Dead Poets Society (1989), two award-winning films that look backward in time (the former to Edwardian Britain, the latter to 1950s New England) to capture the youthful quest for excellence in both physical and intellectual arenas. In this seminar, we will explore both the common themes of discipline vs. free expression, intellect vs. emotion, Classical vs. Romantic, the pull of friendship and the role of a mentor, highlighting similarities—and profound differences—along the way. You are expected to view each film in advance of our daily discussion.