Rebel Without a Cause (1955) is a landmark American teen drama directed by Nicholas Ray, starring James Dean in one of his final—and most iconic—roles as Jim Stark, a troubled youth grappling with alienation, identity, and family dysfunction. Set in suburban America, the film explores the emotional turmoil of middle-class teenagers through Jim’s tense relationships with his parents and his bond with fellow misfits Judy (Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo). With its vivid CinemaScope visuals and raw performances, it redefined portrayals of juvenile delinquency and teen angst, becoming a cultural touchstone and cementing Dean’s legacy as a symbol of youthful rebellion.
