Parent reviews for The Outsiders (2024)

M M. Parent of 6, 9 and 11-year-old

The Outsiders was assigned to my child's 6th grade class. When I watched the movie, I was appalled and surprised at the graphic nature of the violence. In addition to constant teenage drinking and smoking, the film shows a murder by stabbing, domestic violence, and the deaths of two of the main characters, including one who is shot to death by the police in the final scene. While the film does have some powerful messages about in-groups and out-groups and the search for identity, the additional messages about flaunting parental authority, how boys are to treat girls, violence as a method to solve problems, and the searing images of the brutal deaths of teenage boys is too much. Reading the book was intense enough for our child. 8th grade is the earliest anyone should have to watch this movie and even then much of the content should be unpacked and discussed. The film could be used to talk about grief, loss, and searching for a voice, but is too complex (and violent!) for a simple comparison of a novel to a movie adaptation. The book is probably 12+, but the movie is certainly 14+.

Too much violence

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

this movie highlights drugs gang violence achohol and is very mature. my daughter had to read this as a book in English in the 7th grade i do not agree with this i think students should be at least 14 years old to read this book or watch the movie. if you allow your child to watch this i am about to tell you a lot of subjects in this movie are harsh and mature.

Too much violence

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

meh

Too much violence

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

This is my second favorite movie of all time, and probably my most watched. I have the lines memorized. The nice thing about this is, it stays true to the book. I read the book first which helped me to understand the backstory more. I first watched this when I was in 8th grade (about 12/13 years old). It doesn't sugar coat anything. It's raw, emotional, intellegent, and is one of the most brilliant YOUNG cast ensombles to ever be shown on screen. C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio (you know, The Karate Kid before he was The Karate Kid), Matt Dillion, Rob Lowe and Emillio Estevez (of the infamous 80s "brat pack", Diane Lane, Patrick Swayze, even Tom Cruise before he made it big. I recommend this movie. Hands down. Yeah, yeah, so there is some bad language (nothing obscene, grotesque, or demeaning), some teen smoking/drinking, and a rumble, but that's nothing compared to what kids see in magazines, video games, cartoons, or television shows. It's a good family movie, in the way it teaches no matter how hard life may seem, family bonds conquer all.

Great messages

Great role models

Katherine R. Parent of 8, 10, 14, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old

KJ J. Parent of 13-year-old

In the book the character Johnny stabs a socs blood, gorey.

Too much violence

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

When it comes to Coppola's "The Outsiders" there are various things to consider when showing this film to younger audiences: although there are several mature and violent moments within the film, they are somewhat intentional in the sense that they convey a particular subculture (Greaser) and teenage reality of a group of individuals who were outcasts within America during the 1950s. For context, S.E. Hinton's (who began writing this novel as a teenager herself) purpose in writing "The Outsiders" was in part to write stories that could be relatable to teenagers of her time and generation. Although vastly different from our current generations and societal sensibilities, "The Outsiders" as a book and as a film provides not only the chance for both parents and teachers of the listed demographic to address concerning topics for the youth such as identity, sense of belonging, the importance of friendships, mental health, developing empathy, tolerating differences but this work also aids students interest in reading the story by its characters and conflict. Some may argue that these topics can be better addressed with other stories and films with less content as listed, and maybe with a more PG-friendly nature. However, with the right guidance, a few skips on the DVD or laptop, and a safe learning environment this film can not only be memorable to teens for its stunts, foul language, and overall hooliganism characters but also be memorable for characters that remind audiences of friends or of themselves in this time, be memorable for self-reflection and anguish of Ponyboy as he deals with wanting to be free but not alone. Be memorable for characters like Dallas and Johnny, two unfortunate souls who were dealt bad hands and went through very different fates - fates that are impactful and worthy of comparing. Be memorable for how the film conveys friendships and the sense of loyalty, bonding, and unity they present. Be memorable in the fact that it does not take an adult with years of experience as a writer to publish a classic and timeless story, but for the 15-year-old S.E. Hinton who wanted to write about what she has seen and lived during her time because she did not have writings that she could relate to, learn from, and experience.

Educational value

Great messages

Great role models

Too much violence

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

Tony F. Parent of 11-year-old

This movie was excellent. There are some sad moments, there are children screaming in a burning church. One person who saves them ends up in a hospital and dies at the end of the movie. The message is that people care for each other.

Great messages

Colette T. Parent of 6, 10 and 14-year-old

There are definitely some talking points in this movie. The violence depicted is a springboard for conversation about boredom, anger and violence not being the answer. The deaths in this novel are also a good conversation point for students. The drinking and smoking depicted in the film is a great conversation about growing up to fast and the differences in the time period.

Educational value

Great messages

Great role models

mmundt05 Parent of 13 and 14-year-old

Educational value

Great messages

Great role models