West Side Story (1961)

Racism, xenophobia, sexism, a little dash of homophobia, violence and absolutely loads of toxic masculinity. Partially redeemed by Maria's soliloquy at the end about "hatred", although the writers didn't really have the words that we do now to name the all the hatreds.Of course the music is beyond brilliant, but otherwise this movie's best feature these days is as a reminder how far our society has progressed - and of how much further we have to go.

This review is meant for the younger viewers who have probably no idea about this classic of a film. At the present state we are in, are we going to point fingers to anyone who plays a role rewritten for dramatization or are we going to take a look at the big picture, just watch and enjoy?Leonard Bernstein is brilliant and many of the songs here are songs that we hum and recognize. But many don't even know it is from West Side story. The gangs at war and the two lovers caught in between their warring brothers and friends. The great love ends in a tragedy. There are lessons to be learned and it is wonderfully choreographed and portrayed. It is always wonderful to se the old school actors without science on their faces or bodies rather raw, natural , real , timeless beauty.

"west Side Story" perhaps has one of the best scores ever for Broadway show. Every Song is great. The talent behind the camera outshines the leads. Natalie Wood is great in her role as Maria. Richard Beymer is also very good but there is NO CHEMISTRY between the two leads. However the supporting cast is excellent. The dancers outshine the leads however Rita Moreno & George Chakiris deserved the Academy Awards that the received for their work in this film.In case you didn't know this is a modern day telling of Romeo and Juliet. This time the rival families are street gangs in New York.Despite no chemistry between Natalie & Richard the film is still excellent. The last scene with Natalie Wood should have gotten her an Oscar. However since she was dubbed and she had no chemistry with Richard she went home with no statue. In the documentary on the making of the film you can see why Natalie was dubbed. However today with auto tune I think they would have fixed her voice. If you ever get the chance to see this on the big screen take advantage of it. It is very impressive on a big screen with big sound!

WEST SIDE STORY is a musical crime drama, which is a good blend of a dance and music in the shadow of a conflict between two gangs.The tension, between a white American gang, the Jets, and a Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks, grows day by day. Policemen prevent larger conflicts. The Jets decide to challenge the Sharks to a rumble for neighborhood control, at an upcoming dance. Their leader, Riff, decides to call his best friend, Tony, who has left a gang, in a battle. However, Tony is uninterested. At the dance, the gangs and girls refuse to intermingle. Tony still arrives at the dance and falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, who is a leader of a rival gang. Bernardo angrily demands Tony to stay away from her. Later, Tony discreetly visits Maria on her fire escape, where they reaffirm their love. Across the street, gangs determines the time and place of the final clash...A dance, rhythm and a wild energy are the most memorable segments in this film. Every movement is a pure poetry. This is more than a street dance and emotional songs. This is a game between love and hate. Love is innocent and touching, but hatred is far more passionate and more intensive in this story. Immigrant issues are, in some way mitigated through a dance and songs. A serious drama about racial intolerance is completely inappropriate in this film. Directors have scratched topics related to immigration, freedom, patriarchy, delinquency and religion. The protagonists are only young offenders which have some of their disagreements. That is, given the background of the story and the Shakespeare tragedy, rather frivolous.Natalie Wood as Maria Nunez is an innocent girl who believes in an unconditional love. She is a charming character, who shows her acting power in the second part of the film. Richard Beymer as Tony Wyzek is a young man, who is part of a "street culture", but he's trying to grow up. His appearance, despite of a poor characterization, is quite interesting. Chemistry is not particularly strong between these two characters.Rita Moreno as Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend, is a young woman who is torn between two worlds. George Chakiris as Bernardo Nunez is the most dominant phenomenon in the film. His character is composed of a mad pride and an unquestionable tradition. Chemistry is, in their case, really incredible.This is an energetic and exotic dance story, which turns into a cult and tragic spectacle.