Juvenile delinquency refers to illegal or antisocial behaviors committed by individuals under the age of 18. Films about juvenile delinquency often explore themes such as rebellion, the impact of society and family on youth, redemption, and the struggles of growing up. These films can serve as a reflection of societal attitudes towards youth and crime, offering insights into the complexities and challenges faced by young people navigating their path in a world that may seem against them. Through drama, action, and sometimes humor, these movies shed light on the issues, environments, and circumstances that contribute to juvenile delinquency, while also exploring the humanity and potential for change within these young individuals.
“Rebel Without a Cause”, 1955
Director: Nicholas Ray
This iconic film stars James Dean as troubled teen Jim Stark, who, after moving to a new town, finds himself embroiled in violence, and searching for a sense of belonging. “Rebel Without a Cause” is a landmark film that delves into the emotional turmoil and alienation of youth.
Starring: James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, Jim Backus, Ann Doran, Corey Allen, William Hopper, Rochelle Hudson, Dennis Hopper, Edward Platt;
Production year: 1955;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Rebel Without a Cause” on the website imdb.com
“The Outsiders”, 1983
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film is based on the novel by S.E. Hinton and focuses on the conflicts between two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma. It explores themes of loyalty, social class, and the loss of innocence.
Starring: C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Diane Lane, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Glenn Withrow, Leif Garrett;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Outsiders” on the website imdb.com
“Juvenile”, 2007
Director: China Moo-Young
This film tells the story of a group of troubled teenagers who turn to a life of crime, ultimately leading them to a detention center where they must confront their actions and the consequences.
Starring: Louis Cordice, Louis Sheridan Cordice, Glenn Doherty, Sophie Shaw-Foucher;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 11 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Juvenile” on the website imdb.com
“Kidulthood”, 2006
Director: Menhaj Huda
Set in West London, this British film follows 24 hours in the lives of a group of teenagers as they navigate through violence, sex, and drugs, highlighting the pressures faced by youths in urban environments.
Starring: Aml Ameen, Red Madrell, Noel Clarke, Adam Deacon, Jaime Winstone, Femi Oyeniran, Madeleine Fairley, Rebecca Martin, Nicholas Hoult, Adem Bayram;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Kidulthood” on the website imdb.com
“Thirteen”, 2016
Director: Vanessa Caswill, China Moo-Young
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, this film examines the descent of a 13-year-old girl into a whirlwind of underage sex, drugs, and crime, influenced by a troubled friend. It's a stark look at the pressures of adolescence and the ease with which young lives can spiral out of control.
Starring: Jodie Comer, Valene Kane, Richard Rankin, Natasha Little, Katherine Rose Morley, Stuart Graham, Aneurin Barnard, Mark Flitton, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Eleanor Wyld;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Thirteen” on the website imdb.com
“A Clockwork Orange”, 1971
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Anthony Burgess's novel, this film follows Alex DeLarge, a delinquent youth in futuristic Britain, known for his ultraviolence. The movie raises questions about free will, the nature of evil, and the possibility of redemption.
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke, John Clive, Adrienne Corri, Carl Duering, Paul Farrell, Clive Francis, Michael Gover;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: science fiction, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “A Clockwork Orange” on the website imdb.com
“Over the Edge”, 1979
Director: Jonathan Kaplan
Inspired by true events, this film follows the teenagers of a planned community who, faced with boredom and restrictions from the adult world, engage in reckless behavior leading to tragic consequences.
Starring: Michael Eric Kramer, Matt Dillon, Pamela Ludwig, Vincent Spano, Tom Fergus, Harry Northup, Andy Romano, Ellen Geer, Richard Jamison, Julia Pomeroy;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Over the Edge” on the website imdb.com
“Sleepers”, 1996
Director: Barry Levinson
This film is a gripping tale of four boys from Hell's Kitchen who are sent to a juvenile detention center where they are abused. Years later, they get a chance for revenge against those who wronged them.
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Brad Pitt, Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver, Ron Eldard, Vittorio Gassman, Brad Renfro;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: drama, crime, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 147 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Sleepers” on the website imdb.com
These films, while diverse in their storytelling and geographical settings, all share the common thread of exploring the multifaceted and often misunderstood world of juvenile delinquency.
In conclusion, films about juvenile delinquency do more than just entertain; they mirror society's ongoing struggle with youth crime, the factors driving it, and its implications. Through gripping narratives and complex characters, these films explore the psychological, social, and economic underpinnings of juvenile delinquency, offering viewers a multifaceted understanding of this challenging issue. From the stark realism of “Rebel Without a Cause” to the gritty exploration in “City of God,” and the nuanced storytelling in “Moonlight,” the genre has evolved, reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards youth crime and justice. These films serve as a powerful tool for empathy, education, and advocacy, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable realities and inspiring dialogue and action towards meaningful social change. As society continues to grapple with these issues, the genre promises to remain a vital, evolving canvas for exploring the complexities of juvenile delinquency in all its forms.
