THE OUTSIDERS (1983)

Speaking of cult classics, the question needs to be asked why this film didn't reach that status. It contains all the elements: story based upon a popular teen novel; directed by one of the industry's greats (Francis Ford Coppola); a cast made up of veritable the who's who of 80's young Hollywood. I mean, just look at it: C Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise and Leif Garrett! What more could one ask for? Yet, the critics hated it and, by the looks of the box office earnings, so did the movie going public...

Set against a 50's background, it's all about the age old struggle between society's rich and poor; the have's and have-not's; those born into privilege and those from the the wrong side of the tracks. One of the criticisms leveled against this movie was the mood created by the music score and cinematography. As far as latter is concerned, I cannot agree. That is exactly what gives this movie it's particular ambiance. The classical music score, however, does not fit. But apparently it was replaced by a more rock-and-roll orientated score of the era in the revised 2005 version.

The only other criticism I have is that the acting, by times, seems to be a bit forced. On the other hand, though, maybe this makes it more typical of the actual 1950' movies. All in all, I enjoyed it very much and awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Trailer link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4pFHmSuHRQ

 The famous fight scene from the movie...