Review of West Side Story (1961) by Ross M — 06 Oct 2011

Watched this last night after having it on DVD for like 3 years. I figured since Glee is doing it this season, I better watch the original first. Plus I have always been intrigued as to how the Romeo and Juliet basis is explored.

I was very impressed, the songs are incredibly catchy and the dance numbers are brilliantly choreographed, not to mention iconic. The performances are all great, even Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, despite the fact that some people think she doesn't come across as authentically Puerto Rican and as Kim Newman notes in her review in 1001 Movies, that Richard Beymer lacks charisma as Tony.

I disagree on both counts. Although it is true that the supporting cast outshines these two leads. Russ Tamblyn as Riff is excellent in the Mercutio role (my favourite from Shakespeare's classic tragedy), Rita Moreno is brilliant as Anita and George Chakiris is the best as the leader of the Sharks.

Both Moreno and Chakiris deservedly won Oscars in the supporting category. It's a long film but it's necessary to fit in all of the wonderful song and dance numbers and to truly pay justice to the Shakespeare storyline.