Review of West Side Story (1961) by Dammy G — 29 Oct 2012

This is a somewhat more loose adaptation of the classic Romeo and Juliet story. Nonetheless, this IS the basic story of Romeo and Juliet. And this screen adaptation of that story is the best one with a high concept.

This is essentially the musical version of the story, set in 1950s New York. We have two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, fighting for control over the streets of Manhattan. In those two gangs, we have Tony, a member of the Jets, and Maria, a sister of the leader of the Sharks.

The two fall in love at first sight, and it stirs up trouble between the Jets and the Sharks. Same basic story, same basic characters, same basic situation. What this film has to offer that the classic Romeo and Juliet story does not is the social problem of gang violence during contemporary times.

The Jets and Sharks are not only two different gangs, but they are very different cultures as well. The Montagues and Capulets were rival houses which at the time were merely part of society. However, the gangs represented are NOT part of society.

Each member of both gangs are outcasts that want nothing more than to feel accepted in a place of belonging and a place of family, and that is what these gangs are. This especially applies to the Sharks, as they themselves as a Puerto Rican gang are outcasts.

They want to belong and fit in with the American culture. They are outcasts in a way that the Jets never will be. It was during this time period when gangs were recognized as a bigger problem in society than ever before.

This is the time when gangs were at rise. Another thing this film has to offer is the escalation between the two gangs. At a critical point in the film, the two gangs negotiate to meet for a showdown, and finally agree that it will be a fair fight, using only fists.

However, they both come prepared in the event that if one side uses guns, the other side will use guns. If one side uses knives, the other will use knives, and so on. These gangs will not let their guard down, and value everything that they are, hating one another for one reason and one reason only: The other gang is not their own.

This film takes what is classic, and does something unique with it. So unique that this film has become just as brilliant and classic as the original Romeo and Juliet story. The film is absolutely breathtaking with its storytelling and its visual wizardry.

The choreography was excellent as they incorporated some of the dance numbers into fight scenes. I found that to be very well done and put together. The musical numbers were also pleasant to hear. The plot adaptation was absolutely stunning, the characters were endearing, and the acting was near incredible.

Nothing I can say about this film does it justice, watching it is just such a treat, both for your heart and your eyes. If you have not seen this film and like the Romeo and Juliet story, you will most definitely appreciate this.

I would have to say this is my favorite adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.