 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Outsiders
- Review Date: November 28, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 1983
Common Sense Media says
Coppola's take on S.E. Hinton's classic. Teens+.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that THE OUTSIDERS is a film adaptation of a novel detailing teen gang violence in the 1950s. Characters drink, smoke, get in fights, harass schoolchildren, use knives and guns, and commit murder. One character is severely burned and dies. Additionally, the film deals frankly with class stratification. Several of the main characters have troubled home situations.
What's the story?
The Curtis brothers and their friends run with a pack of wrong-side-of-the tracks greasers who smoke endless packs of cigarettes and spend most of their time looking for trouble. When Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell) and Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) have a run-in with a pack of socs after a drive-in movie, Johnny stabs one of the socs. At the advice of their friend Dallas (Matt Dillon) they hide out in an abandoned church, but a tragic chain of events has already begun to unfold.
Is it any good?
THE OUTSIDERS, Francis Ford Coppola's inspired adaptation of S.E. Hinton's novel, combines a talented ensemble cast with an engaging story. It is in some ways a scare film. Characters suffer for their bad behavior, and occasionally the treatment seems a bit heavy-handed. Coppola's direction is brilliant, as evidenced by his attention to detail. In particular, the soundtrack manages to contribute to the drama without feeling manipulative.
The collaborative work of the young cast also serves as a testament to the director's skill. Coppola even wrenches a convincing performance out of Patrick Swayze as the oldest Curtis brother. As the pretty, popular cheerleader Cherry, Diane Lane manages to avoid coming across as condescending. The real stars of the show, however, are Howell as the sensitive Ponyboy and Dillon as the time bomb Dallas. The special edition DVD entitled, The Outsiders - The Complete Novel features several extras, including over 22 minutes of original cut footage, a new soundtrack featuring songs by Elvis Presley, and a news segment piece on the student petition that started it all.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about class divisions. Why does Cherry tell Ponyboy that she cannot talk to him at school? What makes the division between the socs and the greasers readily apparent? What can explain the origin of the rivalry between the two groups?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
great but not for young kids
This is one of my favorite. Movies but there is lot's of violence and language so this is not for young kids
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great movie and book :)
I absolutely love this movie! Its so amazing! I saw this in 7th grade and all my friends absolutely obssesed over it. Yes, there is some violence and cursing, but otherwise, this is a very good story which my friends and I can just quote over and over again.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Best Movie Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved it! I almost started crying at the end when Johnny died. Good movie though! Really Awesome!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Truly Amazing
This is the move I regard as my favourite, its so emotional and amazing =] I love it so much. I think the things about it is that it really makes you connect with the characters, and imagine you are there, standing next to them. The tension is a lot, and its quite hard-hitting, but its almost like a biopic. Its got some action, some comedy, a handful of drama and a topping of realism.
Its a truly amazing film, so give it a chance and go see it.
You won't regret it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
YES for 12+ IFFY for 9-11 NO for 8-
This is a great movie, I first watched and read it when I was in 7th grade, 12 yrs old...We watched/read in class. This movie has mild violence in it, including a teen killing another, but you never see this happen. The teens also smoke, and maybe drink...There is barely any bad language. This movie is for mature 11+. But for 12+ generally. :D Hope this helps!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Don't be violent in school
There was a rumble between the Socs, and the Greasers which was a really violent fight. Also, Dally robbed a convenience store and the cops were after him so he got killed. I watched this movie in English class when I was in 8th grade and that movie felt fine for 8th graders.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Stay Gold, Ponyboy. Stay Gold.
This is my second favorite movie of all time, and probably my most watched. I have the lines memorized. The nice thing about this is, it stays true to the book. I read the book first which helped me to understand the backstory more. I first watched this when I was in 8th grade (about 12/13 years old). It doesn't sugar coat anything. It's raw, emotional, intellegent, and is one of the most brilliant YOUNG cast ensombles to ever be shown on screen. C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio (you know, The Karate Kid before he was The Karate Kid), Matt Dillion, Rob Lowe and Emillio Estevez (of the infamous 80s "brat pack", Diane Lane, Patrick Swayze, even Tom Cruise before he made it big. I recommend this movie. Hands down. Yeah, yeah, so there is some bad language (nothing obscene, grotesque, or demeaning), some teen smoking/drinking, and a rumble, but that's nothing compared to what kids see in magazines, video games, cartoons, or television shows. It's a good family movie, in the way it teaches no matter how hard life may seem, family bonds conquer all.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Okay for 11+
This movie is great! It teaches that nothing lasts forever, but that may be a little too sad for kids. The smoking and such wasn't necessary, but I still think this is a great movie!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Definately no one under 9, iffy for age 10, 11 and up perfectly fine. READ THE BOOK FIRST!
I'm starting to think Common Sense thinks all kids are extremely sheltered. A 5 out of 5 for violence? Please. The violence barely makes a 1 for me. They can't take some fist fight violence or some gun violence? The most violent part is probably the stabbing. The fire part may be a little frightening to anyone under 9.
This movie, just like the book, has an amazing message, but you'll understand the movie better if you read the book first.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This is probably on of the best movies i've ever seen. And people keep saying to watch it when you 13. Well, in case you havn't noticed, i'm 12 and in 7th grade and we warched this in my 6th grade english class! So don't even start with me when it comes to 'you're to young.'!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Francis Ford Coppola |
| Cast: | C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 114 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1983 |
| DVD release date: | November 20, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | violence |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
