Review of The Outsiders (1983) by Matthew D — 17 May 2018

"Nothing gold can stay." - Robert Frost.

The beautiful sentiment behind The Outsiders will move any audience. Your heart will break when you hear the character Johnny utter "Stay gold, Ponyboy." That line alone has stayed with me my entire life. The Outsiders will change your life forever in a way only a truly great film can.

Francis Ford Coppola directs yet another masterpiece of cinema with his 1983 coming of age classic film The Outsiders. I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it as a kid. It not only holds up, but I appreciate it more each time I watch it. It is a realistic testimony to childhood, poverty, gang life, friendship, and family. Coppola crafts each scene with a tender care and understanding for these characters. The result is every single scene is iconic. Coppola can claim he elevated the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton to new heights as this is likely the greatest adaptation of a book ever.

The Outsiders is a landmark movie for its star cast, clever cinematography, apt framing, exhilarating soundtrack, gorgeous score, emotional story, and emotive acting. Every teenager needs to watch The Outsiders. I guarantee they will relate to someone in the movie.

Now, the director Coppola must be commended for his inventive camera work in The Outsiders. Whether someone is running across a field and the camera pans along with them or gentle still shot lingers on an emotional moment, Coppola always frames every shot to perfection. Practically every second of The Outsiders can be taken out of context as immortalized as one of the most iconic pictures in cinema history. The whole movie is gorgeous. I absolutely love the scene with the sunset shining on Ponyboy and Johnny's faces while they appreciate nature. Their silhouettes and monologues are burned lovingly into my memory. Some of Coppola's finest directing is woven into the thoughtful blanket of empathy that is The Outsiders. You must see this film!

The Outsiders features perhaps the most well cast collection of actors ever assembled. The entire ensemble delivers acts their hearts out. C. Thomas Howell gives the greatest performance of his life as Ponyboy Curtis. He is the movie character I relate to the most out of anyone. He feels so real. Howell acts rather resolute to hide his pain while revealing his emotions through his expressive eyes and face. I wish Howell's acting career was longer.

Likewise, Ralph Macchio lays down the most emotive performance from a child actor in memory as the lovable Johnny. Matt Dillon is perfect as the rough mug Dallas that wishes life were different as you start out hating him, then you feel sympathy for his character by the end. I remember Dillon most fondly for this film.

The Outsiders contains my favorite Patrick Swayze role ever as well. Swayze nails Ponyboy's stern oldest brother Darrel. He is tough, but clearly wishes the best for his youngest brother. Swayze is astoundingly cool and sympathetic here. Rob Lowe is so sweet as Ponyboy's middle brother Sodapop. He is as likable as I recall and gives a brilliant monologue at the end.

Additionally, The Outsiders boasts a fun performance from Emilio Estevez as Two-Bit Matthews. He is a blast to watch as Estevez eats up the scenery every time he is on screen. The Outsiders is also notable as one of Tom Cruise's first roles on film. He is already charismatic here. Cruise's future was already in motion as you are drawn to him when he is present. Diane Lane similarly engages the viewer deeply in one of her earliest roles too.

Musically, the score is one of cinema's most beautiful. Carmine Coppola composed the most gorgeous theme for The Outsiders. The rest of the soundtrack is a series of old rockabilly tunes and surf rock selections that dazzle and thrill you. There is always something nice to listen to while you watch The Outsiders.

In all, The Outsiders remains one of my favorite films. It is a must see movie for all teenagers and adults. Francis Ford Coppola bestowed us with another amazing adaptation of a novel like his Godfather Trilogy. I highly recommend The Outsiders. You will never forget it.