West Side Story (1961) Movie Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | West Side Story (1961) |
| Director | Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins |
| Screenplay Writer | Ernest Lehman |
| Based on Novel by | Based on the Broadway musical by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim (inspired by Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare) |
| Lead Actors | Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno |
| Cast | Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Russ Tamblyn, Simon Oakland, Ned Glass |
| Genre | Musical, Romance, Drama |
| Release Date | October 18, 1961 (United States) |
| Duration | 2h 33m (153 minutes) |
| Budget | ~$6 million |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Box Office (Worldwide) | ~$44.1 million (initial release; higher with re-releases) |
WATCH NOW
Summary
Based loosely on Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is the consummate American tragedy. Two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, duke it out in Manhattans west side. In this crucible racial tensions and teenage angst serve as the backdrop for the classic love story that in turn, for better or for worse, serves as the backdrop for modern American society.
Review
West Side Story is a microcosm and an experiment wrapped into one. The reactions and observations to the film that has had such an impact on the American ethos are varied and sundry. To some the film depicts the classic American tale of the melting pot and the inherent pros and cons associated with it. To others the film further propagates festering stereotypes and myths that have formed the foundation of how American society has come to view the immigrant experience in America, or, more appropriately, the non white experience in the US.
West Side Story is what it is. At its core it is a love story surrounded by details. You may agree or disagree, ignore or address these details, but, in the end, you must confess that this is a damn good film. It is a film that does everything a film should do entertain, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. It would be short sighted not to recognize the prevailing wisdom of 1950s America and the consequent reactions and conclusions the film has spawned as a result. Idealistic visions and melodramatic musings dictated the Liberal message of the film. Hindsight is indeed twenty-twenty. Definitely watch with a keen eye. For sure second guess certain beliefs and perceptions. But dont lose out on the cinematic experience. If you are not, as I am not, a fan of the musical, do not be deterred. West Side Story is a part of the syllabus of American film 101. If you have a pulse and you enjoy movies it is a must see.
Also Watch.
