Their three lives converge through a series of events at Dawson High School, the Griffith Observatory, and a seaside cliff. They deal with bullies, adults who misunderstand them, and parents who fail to help them through their struggles. Eventually Jim, Judy, and Plato form a family unit of their own. Plato is in awe of Jim and Judy is enamored with Jim. It is definitely a Jim love fest but when you see how effortlessly cool Dean was with his red jacket and cute smile, you will know why Wood and Mineo's characters gravitated to him.
This film is the kind that I would honestly say is a must-see. Not only it is James Deans' most famous film but it was also Natalie Wood's breakout role from child actress into more mature roles. Everyone in this film showcased their full talent. Dean, Wood, and Mineo were also surrounded by incredible seasoned actors like Jim Backus (Jim's father), Marietta Candy (Plato's maid), and Edward Platt (Inspector Ray Fremick).
There is no other film about teenagers that I have seen that truly embodies all the angst, turmoil, frustration, and confusion that comes with trying to be a person that is no longer a child but isn't an adult. Rebel Without a Cause (1955) embodies the trials and tribulations of teen life in an honesty and sincere manner that stays with the viewer long after the film is over.
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