Have you ever wanted to be in a relationship with somebody from a different culture? Does that culture have a rivalry with your culture? Those are a few questions that we as the audience are faced with while watching the musical “West Side Story” starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer.
“West Side Story” is set in New York City in the late 1950s. There are two rival gangs in the west side of Manhattan, the Sharks and the Jets. The Jets along with an ex-member of the Jets, Tony (Richard Beymer), goes to a dance at the gym where the Sharks are also. Tony meets the Shark leader’s sister, Maria (Natalie Wood). Both Maria and Tony fall in love at first sight. It is a more modern twist on the Shakespearean story “Romeo and Juliet” (Even though it is set in the late 1950s).
This movie, being made in 1961, is a little outdated with special effects and things like that. If I were to give this movie a grade, factoring in the technology available at that time, I would give it at least a 94. This is because there are still things that they could have done better, but they did not. With the technology that they did have, they made some great music and sound effects. For example, whenever the gangs were in the gym, the sound crew made sure to emphasize the sounds of their shoes hitting the floor. The score is also good and the songs are in a good placement.
I found the story interesting, as I like Shakespearean plotlines. I did not find the movie boring, but when I did, there would be a song to bring me back in. I personally do not like romances normally, but this movie added the gangs and music to it.
-Edward Velky 3/17/2019
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Film Review 