mollymischief

The Outsiders book and movie are both excellent portrayals of life on the "other side of the tracks". I grew up in a much similar situation. Even as a teenager, I appreciated the awesome scenery and vivid imagery shown here. I have become a fan of S. E. Hinton's writing because of this book and movie. I have learned to pay attention to the subtle background effects in movies because of the techniques that Francis Ford Coppola used here. The train whistle blowing is a sound that is heard through out the entire film. That lends an air of realism that most other films just don't have. In today's age of guns and explosives, the rumble in the park is still frightening. It erupts after we learn of the multiple hardships of all of the characters. Of course, everyone in the entire movie has brilliant character moments. To this day, many scenes stick in my mind. Kudos to the acting by the store clerk as Dallas robs the store. This man cringes in sheer terror as Dally puts a handgun to his face, literally shoving it at his cheek as hard as he can. There is a simple scene in the beginning as we learn about Emilio Estevez's character "Two-bit". He sits down on the floor intent on eating the entire chocolate cake. It is just really cool moment that adds realism. As a testament to excellent casting, all of the 'outsiders' have had fantastic careers after being cast here.

My entire family was riveted to the "Chiefs". I feel that it is one of the best written and casted films to this day. I'd promote this movie until I die. It was intelligently written, eluding to hideous crimes without the overkill of blood and gore. Anyone that appreciates old cars, old cycles and vivid acting would benefit to rent, buy or borrow Chiefs. I like to tell anyone that will listen that they will be on the edge of their seats for most of the movie. I was a teenager when it came on TV. To this day I can remember how I felt during the 'handlebar scene'. Sad to say, this movie's plot is the first thing I think of every time I hear of a disappearance or kidnapping in the real world. I'd rate this as one movie I would want on my TV line up once a year. A remake is in order if it could be cast with such strong actors again.