Classics: A Review of The Outsiders by Lauren Ennis

 "They grew up on the outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight; they were looking to belong" reads the tagline for the 1983 drama The Outsiders. With this, the film perfectly sums up the dilemma of its teen protagonists. Adapted from S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel of the same name, the film follows its outcast heroes as  they struggle with neglect at home, ostracism at school, and violence on the street. This coming of age drama captures the pain of growing up with a power and poignancy that few films can match. Stay gold with The Outsiders.

The story begins in 1965 Tulsa, Oklahoma with Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers Darryl and Sodapop coping with the recent deaths of their parents. Like their friends Johnny and Dallas, Ponyboy and his brothers are working class teens from the "wrong side of town" mockingly known as Greasers. Camaraderie and solace that he finds in the Greasers is threatened by their constant clashes with the upper class rival gang known as the Socs. Ponyboy and Johnny are attacked by a group of Socs ultimately resulting in Johnny killing one of the Socs in self-defense. Certain that the authorities will not believe them they go on the run, setting off a chain of events that will change their lives forever. 

Over forty years after its release The Outsiders continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Through its depiction of the plight of the impoverished, ostracized, Greasers the film aptly captures the bitter reality of class and social division. This theme has only become more pertinent in an era in which Americans have become divided across class, racial, and political lines, amongst others. The bitter struggle between the Greasers and Socs, based in tribalism and group-think, in many ways mirrors the current fraught political climate. Even as it brilliantly portrays the brutality of gang warfare, however, the film maintains a decisively hopeful message of understanding and redemption the likes of which our current society sorely needs. Find common ground with The Outsiders.

The film brings S. E. Hinton's acclaimed novel to brilliant life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Dianne Lane balances sweetness and sass as Soc beauty Cherry. Matt Dillon brings bravado and charisma to his turn as bad boy Dallas. Patrick Swayze aptly capture's Darryl's struggle to be both brother and parent to his orphaned siblings. Rob Lowe infuses Sodapop with boy next door charm. Leif Garret makes for a menacing villain as vicious Soc, Bob. Ralph Macchio turns in one of the best performances of his career as balances Johnny's scrappy exterior and inner decency. C. Thomas Howell makes for an ideal everyman as he conveys Ponyboy's yearning for a better life.

While the world has drastically changed since Ponyboy stepped out into the bright sunlight his experiences as an outsider remain startlingly relevant. Few films capture the gold time of youth and the bittersweetness of growing up with the power of The Outsiders. The film's script brings the classic novel to visceral, aching, life. The superb work of the cast transports viewers to the gritty streets of 1960's Tulsa. Find your place with The Outsiders.