The classic musical Grease, released in 1978, has remained a favorite for many fans due to its memorable songs, performances, and storyline. Starring John Travolta as the charming Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as the sweet Sandy Olsson, the movie tells the story of their summer romance and how they unexpectedly reunite at Rydell High. The film was a huge success, earning $396 million worldwide against its modest $6 million budget.
However, as new generations watch Grease, some are starting to criticize aspects of the movie that don’t feel as appropriate today. Many viewers are now calling the film ‘sexist,’ ‘misogynistic,’ and ‘problematic.’ Social media has become a platform where people share their views on the film, pointing out things that seem outdated.
One viewer shared, saying, “I loved Grease when I was a kid, but now it feels too problematic.” Another commenter mentioned that the movie feels “misogynistic, homophobic, and toxic,” referring to elements that reflect outdated views of masculinity and relationships. A third viewer specifically called out the line from the song Summer Nights, “Did she put up a fight?” arguing it creates an uncomfortable impression.
In addition to these issues, some fans have pointed out that the actors were much older than the teenagers they were portraying. Olivia Newton-John was 29 when she played 18-year-old Sandy, and Stockard Channing, who played Rizzo, was 33. This age gap has led to discussions about the movie’s portrayal of teenage life.
There are also moments in the movie that viewers now find problematic, like the song lyrics, inappropriate behavior from characters, and the lack of racial diversity in the cast. However, some fans and former cast members defend the film, suggesting it should be understood in the context of the time it was made.
Olivia Newton-John addressed the backlash in a 2020 interview, saying, “It’s just a story from the ‘50s where things were different. People forget, in the end, he changes for her too.”