It wasn't just for teens There was a lot in that movie that I could relate to. I think everyone on this site has asked the primary question of the story; ""why do such good people let themselves get treated so badly"
The importance of relationship, the pain of rejection, the self medication of drugs or activity and many other ideas were dealt with in such an effective manner.
The main character made me think of my W. She shares his introverted nature and difficulty connecting emotionally to people. I often wonder what pain in her past causes her to put up such high walls. I will probably never know, but I do imagine that it must have been terrible.
I see my D14 in Elizabeth, the Buddhist girlfriend. She wants so badly to be accepted and be loved. She wants to feel special. She reaches out and makes herself vulnerable, only to be used. I wish I knew how to spare D14 the pain that I am afraid she is going to go through. She has such a loving heart. People wired like her tend to get hurt. I try to talk to her, hug her and show her that she is loved and special. I just don't think it will be enough.
D12 reminds me of the snotty girl who gets straight A's and mocks charlie, or the jocks who mock Patrick as "Nothing". Everything comes easy to her. She is smart and Beautiful, but has a mean judgmental spirit. I am constantly telling her to show love and be less critical of others. She is a blonde cheerleader. Such a cliche. I love her anyways and hope I can teach her to love others.
I didn't see myself in the movie. I think it is human nature to view ourself as special and not relate to the simplified Caricature of a movie character. But, I came from a very stable home, had good friends and was always on the "Inside". The group of "Outsiders" portrayed wasn't the group I was in. The closest character to me was Craig. I could relate to his selfishness, especially when it involved relationships with women. When I was his age, I was extremely selfish. But nothing else about him was similar. I am glad I have grown up.
