Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: October 27, 1955
DVD Release Date: September 21, 1999
Plot 411: The new kid in town must stand up for his honor against a local gang and his parents.
Review: James Dean plays Jim Stark in this classic movie about teen angst and generational differences. Jim and his parents move to a new town to escape gossip everytime he gets into trouble. His mother refuses to see acknowledge his bad behavior and his father doesn't possess enough of a backbone to oppose her. His first day of school Jim is confronted by a gang of greasers who taunt him by calling him chicken. To uphold his honor, he must challenge their leader in a race toward a cliff. Not only does this movie call forth a renewed idea of the meaning of dignity and honor, it blatantly shines a spotlight on the lack of a strong family unit and moral code. Surprisingly, this film seems to be more a comment on the social structure of the family than the rebellion of a teen. It takes a serious look at the miscommunication between parent and child, and I can only assume this was a problem especially significant during that time (not that it does not exist today). Also in this film are Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo and Dennis Hopper.
Movie Release Date: October 27, 1955
DVD Release Date: September 21, 1999
Plot 411: The new kid in town must stand up for his honor against a local gang and his parents.
Review: James Dean plays Jim Stark in this classic movie about teen angst and generational differences. Jim and his parents move to a new town to escape gossip everytime he gets into trouble. His mother refuses to see acknowledge his bad behavior and his father doesn't possess enough of a backbone to oppose her. His first day of school Jim is confronted by a gang of greasers who taunt him by calling him chicken. To uphold his honor, he must challenge their leader in a race toward a cliff. Not only does this movie call forth a renewed idea of the meaning of dignity and honor, it blatantly shines a spotlight on the lack of a strong family unit and moral code. Surprisingly, this film seems to be more a comment on the social structure of the family than the rebellion of a teen. It takes a serious look at the miscommunication between parent and child, and I can only assume this was a problem especially significant during that time (not that it does not exist today). Also in this film are Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo and Dennis Hopper.
Watch It: For a pointed commentary on the vast differences in thoughts and values of people in the same family.
Skip It: If you think it's all about romanticizing the rebel.
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