Retro Review: The Outsiders

More than 40 years since the film’s release, The Outsiders remains a classic in this modern age. Anna Solome takes a look back at whether the battle between rivals, the Greasers and the Socials, is still relevant today.   The Movie:

The Outsiders (1983) film is based off the 1968 novel of the same name by S. E. Hinton. The coming-of-age film is directed by cinema icon Francis Ford Coppola and features a star studded cast. Are you interested in a story of friendship, fighting, and redemption?  The Outsiders might be for you.

Who's in it?

The Outsiders features some big names in their very early days. Thomas Howell stars as protagonist 14 year 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis. Howell made his film debut as a minor role in E.T. (1982). He has had a range of television and film appearances, including Tank (1984) and Grandview U.S.A. (1984).

Ralph Macchio is youngster Johnny Cade. He most notably played Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid franchise across the films and supporting TV series Cobra Kai (2017-2025). He’s also been in a few comedies including My Cousin Vinnie (1992) and the show Ugly Betty (2006-2010). 

Matt Dillon as older Greaser Dallas Winston. Dillon solidified his teen idol status starring in films such as My Bodyguard (1980) and Little Darlings (1980). He has been in three S.E. Hinton novel adaptations. He received critical acclaim for his supporting role in the 2004 film Crash. 

The names you may recognise the most are Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe, as Ponyboy Curtis’ older brothers. Some of their works include Dirty Dancing (1987), Ghost (1990), The West Wing (1999-2006), with them both starring in Youngblood (1986).  

To fill out the Greasers, a young Tom Cruise, before he was hired to jump out of planes and off buildings, plays Steve Randal, and Emilio Estevez from The Breakfast Club (1985) plays Keith "Two Bit" Matthews.

The Greasers. Photo: Warner Bros.

What is it about, and why did it work?  

Set on the backdrop of 1960s Oklahoma, we follow two rival gangs, the Greasers and Socials. The Greasers are perceived to be up to no good delinquents, sleazy and rough around the edges; the Socials, in contrast, are spoiled, rich teenagers, clean cut and well spoken, sitting comfortably at the top of the social hierarchy.

The teen protagonists, Greasers Ponyboy and Johnny, get into a brawl with members of the Socials, forcing the pair into hiding after the fight gets deadly. Older Greaser member Dallas helps the boys live with the consequences of their actions, and so the gang stays loyal to each other through thick and thin, trying to subvert society's view of them.

What made The Outsiders work in 1983 was its strong themes of friendship, loyalty and its look into society in 80s America. Through thick and thin, the members of the Greasers would stand by each other, becoming each other’s chosen family. The exploration of stereotypes is key in this film; the Greasers, with their rough cut style, are seen as vagabonds against the Socials. Despite the two gangs' similarities, they continue to fight, even when members on both sides wish to leave it all behind them. Of course, we are talking about teenagers here...

Now to the film itself, amazing pacing! It didn’t feel too long and captured the essence of the novel extremely well. The score added tension when it needed to and was light-hearted other times, impacting the overall tone of the film. Finally, the acting was very well done. Casting actors who were the age of the characters makes the story more impactful, as we see the challenges faced by the youth through actors who suit the role. The teen idol cast may have also been a draw factor for people to see the film back when it was released.  

Does it work now?  

The essence of this film is definitely still relevant now, and the novel is being taught at schools around the world over 60 years later. When people are too lazy to read, they watch the film version, making it a core part of the English class experience. The key messages of loyalty, societal expectations, self-identity, and friendship are relatable to people throughout the various stages of someone’s life.   

The Outsiders film and novel have caused controversy over their depictions of underage gang violence, smoking, and family dysfunction. The meaning of the story overall outweighs its depiction of these themes. Additionally, it is essential to consider different ways of life, even if it is an exaggerated depiction. The language used when talking to women would not be acceptable today, but the piece is set in the 1960s, where the societal norms were different. 

Do I need to see it?  

If you want to watch a coming-of-age film about some youths defying their stereotypes, definitely! The perception I had of The Outsiders was that it was boring because I read it in high school, a second shot made me realise it is an impactful story about subverting the norms.  

7/10