Movie Review # 487: West Side Story (1961)

Alright, so today, we are going back into the world of Broadway musicals once again, one of the more classic films of the 1960s. And not just any musical. This time, we review a musical film that has been considered one of the most memorable films, with many of the songs being catchy, and unforgettable, and the characters even most likely being as likable as can be. In honor of a remake by Steven Spielberg being released recently, the movie is West Side Story.

Plot: When two gangs that reside in New York City, known as the Sharks, and the Jets decide to declare war on each other as to where they can come, or stay, or are forbidden to live in, things get complicated when old friends of the respective gangs get involved. So the question remains, will the Sharks, and Jets remain bitter enemies, or will things change with the two groups in time?

Now, I remember first seeing the Broadway version of this musical at an outdoor venue when I was a kid back in the late 1990s, if I recall correctly. I remember having quite a few of the songs, from both the musical, and this film being stuck in my head over the years, most notably songs like “Tonight,” and “I Feel Pretty,” (which the latter, in part, because of a couple characters from 2003’s Anger Management singing that song at one point during that film). So now, it is time for me to give some thoughts on it after being absent from it for so many years. Well, though not quite perfect, it is understandable as to why this film has left an impact on pop culture, even to the point of a remake being released as of recently. First of all, many of the songs, from the ones that I mentioned moments ago, as well as others like “America,” “Cool,” and songs like those are bound to be stuck in your head for a long while, if not forever. Also, how could you not love the choreography in this film? How songs from this film, or other musical films of this time period have seemed to have some of the most memorable music ever is beyond me. Another thing sin regards to the song is that it’s good how, no matter how many songs are in this film, the movie doesn’t try to insert songs even at the wrong moments. When the film needs a song, it plays a song, and when only the film needs a score at certain points, then that happens too. In addition to all of this, West Side Story does well at depicting the dangers of being in a gang, no matter if that was in the 50s, or 60s, or even in present times. Yeah, hopefully, whenever anyone who ponders being in a gang sees this film, they will think twice before joining one. Anyway, minus characters like the police officer, most of the characters are well fleshed out. Not only that, but even if it can feel like this film is divided between good guys, and bad guys, it also seems, at other times, like the characters can most likely be more gray ones as well. Finally, as far as positives go, this film can teach some valuable lessons about how bad qualities like impulsiveness, bitterness, and things like that can destroy one physically, or emotionally.

However, there were a few weak areas in this film as well. First off, the beginning of this film seemed to drag a little much. Also, there were certain aspects around the middle that seemed a little unrealistic. Okay, especially in the world of animation, it’s understandable that films like those can act that way. However, when it comes to live-action films, aren’t those supposed to stick to realism more? Just a thought! Finally, that leads me to the other flaw in this film. That being that here were certain aspects of the ending that didn’t seem to make sense all that much either. Oh well!

And that’s my review for 1961’s West Side Story. Despite the few flaws mentioned moments ago, West Side Story is truly a classic in of itself. It has catchy tunes, fun characters, a great setting, as well as teaches some very valuable lessons. I would say definitely make a point to see this film. You’d be surprised by how much one could benefit from watching West Side Story.

Final Grade: B+