Review of West Side Story (1961) by Stephen C — 07 Jan 2014

Now I have a confession to make as a film buff im not really a huge fan of musicals on the big screen .

I alwys feel like there is something missing from them,but on this occasion I was knocked off my feet by Robert Wise's film.

Shot on location in parts of New York this gives the film a gritty and realistic edge .

Then of course there is Lenonard Bersteins score and Stepehn Sondheims power punch lyrics.

All the songs are classics the obvious being America and Tonight but I ended up with I feel pretty lodged in my brain!!!!

The two leads are fine but its the tension between the Jets and the Sharks which gives the film a real edge .

Wise and Jerome Robbins stage the dance sequences with a real verve and the s.

Sequence with the Jets against trucks lights is one of the highlights of the film.

By todays standards it can feel dated in places with some of the cool and daddy -o langauge being the most obvious thing but despite that this really is one of the greatest film musicals.