Review of The Outsiders (1983) by Compi24 — 25 Jul 2023
I gotta admit, I haven't read this book since 7th grade and my memories of the class in which it was assigned to me are not exactly rosy, so my mixed feelings on all things "The Outsiders" don't really have a whole lot to do with S.
E. Hinton or the contents of her book. Indeed, personal hang-ups aside, the story is nonetheless resonant, especially considering it was embarked upon when Hinton was just in her teens. As far as adaptations go, however, I think this one has some bright spots, as well as dark ones.
The narrative and thematics are, for the most part, represented quite well (from what I can remember). The period elements ring as authentic and Coppola's visual landscape feels true to the novel too.
Some of the acting borders into cheese territory and I get it — this is difficult material for any actor, let alone for child actors. I just thought some scenes brought on an occasional unintentional giggle or two.
I also really do feel the length here and not in the way you think. This thing is only 90 minutes long and it really does harm the consequentiality of the events at hand. I do remember the novel having a great sense of character and, with this, I think the brevity didn't lend to that goal all that well.
Still, this was a quaint little trip down memory lane.
This review of The Outsiders (1983) was written by Compi24 on 25 July 2023.
The Outsiders has generally received positive reviews.
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