One of my favorite films This is not only a great musical with some wonderful songs (like "Fame", "I'm here on my own", "I sing the body electric" it is also a touching drama about outsiders and lost dreams. It was good that Alan Parker had chosen all kind of outsiders like the jewish girl, the black men, the Puerto Rican, the rich mans daughter, the gay and it was good to see how they make their way. I believe It is a very realistic film because many of the actors and actresses in the USA are unemployed and have not such a good life like Leonardo di Caprio (but sometimes more talent).