Watch The Outsiders

The Outsiders is a 1983 American drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the 1967 novel of the same name by S.E. Hinton. The film's cast includes C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane, and Tom Cruise in one of his earliest roles. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s, the film tells the story of two rival teenage gangs: the working-class "Greasers" and the wealthy "Socs". The Greasers, who are viewed as outcasts by their peers and society, are led by the tough and street-smart Dallas Winston (Dillon) and the sensitive and compassionate Ponyboy Curtis (Howell). The Socs, on the other hand, are entitled and privileged, with their leader being Bob Sheldon (Leif Garrett), who becomes a central character in the film's plot. The main plot of the film involves Ponyboy and his best friend Johnny Cade (Macchio) getting involved in a deadly altercation with the Socs after a night out at the movies. Johnny ends up killing one of the Socs, and he and Ponyboy have to go into hiding to avoid prosecution. With nowhere else to turn, they seek the help of Dallas, who helps them get out of town and escape to the countryside. However, their attempts to evade the police and start a new life are complicated by a series of unfortunate events that force them to confront their past and face the harsh realities of their lives. The Outsiders is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes such as youth, class, and brotherhood. The film is beautifully shot and features a talented cast, many of whom went on to become stars in their own right. Standouts include Dillon, whose performance as the tough and charismatic Dallas is both impressive and memorable, and Howell, who brings emotional depth to his portrayal of Ponyboy. Macchio, too, shines as the sensitive but troubled Johnny, while Swayze is a standout as the older brother of Ponyboy, who serves as a mentor and role model to him and the other Greasers. Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the film is its stylistic use of color, lighting, and music. The film's color palette is dark and moody, reflecting the bleak and hopeless reality faced by the Greasers, and the film's brooding score adds to the sense of foreboding and tension. Coppola's direction is confident and assured, and his use of camera angles and editing is masterful in conveying the film's many emotions. Overall, The Outsiders is an emotionally resonant and engrossing film that explores themes of youth, brotherhood, and social class with honesty and depth. The film has become a cult classic in the years since its release and continues to be a beloved coming-of-age story for many viewers.