Review of West Side Story (1961) by General G — 16 Mar 2013

I love this movie, the music, the dancing, the story, I love it all!! This is one of those true remakes of Romeo and Juliet! A real Classic indeed. I can't get enough of it, it's that great a musical. Feel with everything! How can anyone have a problem with this film?

I will get the stereotypical love story out the way first. Of course or if you don't know, it is based off of Romeo and Juliet but with a more upbeat and cool appeal to it. Set in the most unlikely of places...Manhattan in New York City. Instead of somewhat just rival between two families, the rival revolve around two street gangs and one member of one gang falls in love with the sister of the rival gang's leader. The storyline also hit home with reality because one of the gangs are actually immigrants so that just added to so much more drama, I think. The whole story was full of love, romance, fun and drama for none stop 2 hours! The love really hit a home run...of course because its based off of the greatest love story ever. I mean, you felt for the characters involved and wanting to be together and just wanting to express that love to the very dramatic tragedy. But even thought the story was good, it wouldn't have come to life if it wasn't for two things...not the acting...but the music and choreography.

I think what really made this movie is the dancing and singing. It was at the same time original and a remake of the real Romeo and Juliet. It showed both because the story was relevant to Shakespeare and they added their own twist with dance and singing. That is why the singing and dancing really brought out this movie. The songs were so catchy and fun. For a movie from the 60's, I could imagine sitting in the theater and my eyes just wide open watching all this unfold before me. My ears in heaven with the singing and great songs that some you can sing along with. They are just so catchy and fun and brilliant! Then the dancing with the singing was awesome! I wonder how it would be with the dance moves of today. Just imagine the more in depth choreography with the same storyline and everything but different songs, I bet that would even be a hit as well. Not to say that the choreographic in this was awful because it was dazzling! If they gave awards for that, it would surely win. Same go for the singing too. Overall, The dancing and singing made this movie.

Of course the dancing and singing would make this movie because the movie itself is also based off a broadway musical. The stage-like set for the environment had that stage feel to it...which work! But it wasn't a stage of course, just felt like it and they did a great job with it feeling like a open environment too. I loved that.

The acting was superb of course because they were awarded. George Chakiris as Bernardo was good. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer were good but I personally think Ms. Wood played her role much better. Then Anita played by Rita Moreno was outstanding! She was fun and serious and sexy which was a great combination to her character. Everyone that had a role in the movie was fun! Everyone was perfect for the movie!

West Side Story didn't have to win best picture to win my heart. This classic movie I can watch over and over! It will go down as one of my many classic favorites. Everything in it was great. The directing was great. The music was great. The choreographic was great. The acting and singing was great. I think the cinematography was great. I truly love this movie and will never get tired of it. When it comes to remakes of Romeo and Juliet...West Side Story is at the top of the list for the best remake of the greatest love story ever!