Rebel Without A Cause –

A Review by Safeya Medina

March 13, 2014

 

In this extraordinary film, the director, Nicholas Ray, does an amazing job portraying the orientations within these lost teenagers. Although these adolescents do not feel united with their real family, they explore new boundaries in friendships that allow them to experience the meaning of family. In the beginning of the film, it shows Jim (James Dean), Judy (Natalie Wood), and Plato (Sal Mineo), all integrated inside a police station ready to be investigated on their own predicament. This particular scene shouts out to me personally because you can see all these troubling teenagers in one room, all seeking for some sort of affection.

James Dean starts as Jim Stark, a high school student who is always at the face of trouble. He is the new kid in school and starts off his day recklessly. He tries to ask the “cool kids” for directions, and he steps on the school sacred seal. From this, you can clearly tell, this year might not be so well for him. Since he is always moving schools, because of trouble, he develops a habit of isolating himself from friends, which is soon broken. His best friend, Plato, is the first person he encounters because he recognizes him from the police station. They both go on an adventurous journey to find who they really are, while overcoming family obstacles. Judy, who tags along after a tragic event, realizes that Jim and Plato are the closest to family she has. Plato becomes emotionally attached to their “family” and feels abandoned when Jim and Judy leave him alone, after he fell asleep in the gazebo. One selfish event leads to another and their, realistic and hopeful family, becomes divided.

This tragic but exciting film catches the audience at the first glimpse of action. I would definitely recommend this film to everyone. Action, family, tragedy, and much more is seen throughout this magnificent movie. There definitely will be an exciting moment for everyone.