I have watched this movie back when I needed it more than ever, it was during my high school years. It resonated with me deeply, because it's not one of those movies full of special effects, it has very good storytelling. The directing by Peter Weir is just outstanding, but you can't be fooled I mean it's Peter Weir, the great director of The Truman Show, Witness, etc.
I can't start speaking about the acting, because I sincerely never considered the acting as something that defines the movie, if we're talking about the movie, then the movie were discussing.
People all over the globe can relate to at least one of these characters, it has very deep struggling, something that everyone on this Earth has faced at least once in their life.
Watch the movie, don't be sleepy because you need to concentrate on everything..
Have fun