Review of West Side Story (1961) by Uditha D — 07 Mar 2012

West Side Story is the most unusual musical I've ever watched - it's filled with violence that is quite in excess by musical standards, it's set in New York amidst the most unusual type of characters to be featured in a film in the genre (street gangs), and it has a very shockingly abrupt ending (again by musical standards).

But this doesn't make watching West Side Story less enjoyable: on the contrary, it makes it more so. It has some of the most catchy tunes in any musical I've watched (including "America"), some very dazzling dance numbers that can be classed more so under calisthenics and gymnastics than actual dancing, and a very moving tragic love story.

And even though it may get sentimental along some points, it's a very well made modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Today Singin' in the Rain is considered the most revered musical by most standards.

But I think West Side Story should not be forgotten and laid aside. It is a lovely romantic musical that will take your breath away, especially of course the dance numbers.