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I Rewatched The Outsiders As An Adult And It Completely Changed My Perspective

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The Outsiders is a film I never really understood.

Generally speaking, many people consider “The Outsiders” among the top 80s films. Although I’ve watched Ralph Macchio in “The Karate Kid” films and “Cobra Kai,” a popular Netflix series, I haven’t had the chance to watch “The Outsiders,” another well-known movie of his.

As a middle schooler, everyone seemed to be reading this book and watching the movie, which I also enjoyed. However, it’s been around 14 years since then, and I recently revisited it. Frankly, I hadn’t realized it, but this was an experience I truly needed.

I Knew The Movie Was Good, But Watching it As An Adult Gave Me A Different Experience

This isn’t a movie I initially disliked as a child, only to appreciate later on as an adult. From the get-go, I recognized its quality. There was never a time when I sat in class, eye-rolling during screenings. The reason this book by S.E. Hinton has become mandatory reading for students is because of its impact, and thus, watching the film is considered essential viewing as well. In essence, the movie is genuinely well-made, and its author played a significant role in launching the Young Adult genre.

Reflecting on it now, after all these years and having lived a full life since my preteen days, I realize that as a child, I may not have fully grasped just how excellent this movie was.

In today’s era, there’s an abundance of blockbusters and follow-ups, leaving little room for unique, well-crafted films. The year 2025 is jam-packed with these franchises, which has led to a decrease in the number of original movies we get to enjoy. This is one of the main issues I’ve noticed when it comes to movie releases.

Consequently, these adaptations of classic tales often fail to receive the recognition they ought to have initially. Frequently, they are met with criticism at first, then later acclaimed, either many years following their premiere or once they become accessible for streaming.

The Outsiders” is a film that might not perform as well at today’s box office due to its timeless yet raw coming-of-age narrative. The story resonates powerfully because it mirrors experiences we’ve had in various aspects, making me question why it’s required reading in middle school instead of high school, where students can more easily grasp the themes.

Even so, this film had an impact on me, and there are two reasons why – the cast and the story.

The Cast Is Incredibly Talented, Something I Never Appreciated

After spending countless hours watching films over the years, it’s not often that I fully appreciate every member of an ensemble cast. Each and every one of them, like C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe – they all delivered exceptional performances.

In the past, some actors seemed mismatched or the ensemble lacked a spark. Yet, in this movie, I truly sense the narrative because these characters appear as if they are not just performers, but relatives woven into the story. They seem authentic.

This type of cast is seldom encountered, one where the performers appear remarkably genuine and unfiltered. From afar, it’s evident that they had a strong bond on set and that this narrative held significant importance for them. Such a connection undeniably enhances the viewing experience.

I Can’t Help But Love The Story More Now As Well

As a movie critic, allow me to express my profound admiration for the timeless novel “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. Over the past few decades, this book has garnered widespread acclaim, largely due to its exceptional storytelling and its ubiquitous presence in classrooms across the nation. However, what truly sets this film apart is that it presents a narrative that resonates deeply with people from all walks of life, regardless of any personal affiliations with gangs, youth subculture, or similar themes.

Essentially, “The Outsiders” delves deeper into topics such as grief, searching for one’s identity, making sacrifices, and other profound themes. These themes may not be fully understood until you reach a certain stage in life when you’ve encountered similar experiences yourself.

Experiencing this movie feels significantly more impactful for me, as I didn’t see it when I was younger, but now that I do, I connect with it on a much deeper level, approximately twenty times stronger compared to my initial impressions.

It’s The Kind Of Movie I Think We All Need To Watch Nowadays

Refreshing your eyes on “The Outsiders” might be beneficial right now. The world can seem unstable at times, leaving us uncertain about our actions or how to adjust, evolve, and prosper with the swift passage of time. Yet, this movie effectively communicates that we all grapple with similar challenges, irrespective of our origins, and that there are values worth compromising for.

This tale is deeply moving, yet it resonates profoundly with people around my age. Fortunately, the movie adaptation of “The Outsiders” can be streamed for free, making it easily accessible. If you’re seeking an engaging activity for a Saturday afternoon, I recommend giving this film another watch.

You won’t regret it.

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2025-07-15 16:09

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