3/4  Should've Focused More on the Social Themes
“West Side Story” is pretty much an updated version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Instead of Montagues vs. Capulets, it’s the Sharks vs. the Jets, Puerto Rican immigrants and second generation Americans, respectively. I’m not very interested in m... (read full)

3.5/4  SOMEWHERE A PLACE FOR US
Obviously a modern "adaptation" of the Romeo and Juliet plot. A family brawl between the MONTAGUES and the CAPULETS. In this case, between the Americans (headed by RICHARD BEYMER) and the Latinos (represented by NATALIE WOOD). It's a gan... (read full)

3/4  Good musical
The music is catchy enough, and sung well enough. The story works better than other musicals and is effective. The look is very colorful and attractive therefore it succeeds as a musical needs to. There are no real problems except Natalie ... (read full)

3/4  I Feel So Pretty
Natalie Wood is awful, but besides that, "West Side Story" is a classic. Stephen Sondheim lends fantastic lyrics to a musical update of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." A classic in every definition of the word, this choreographic maste... (read full)

3.5/4  Review - West Side Story (1961)
In a musical modernization of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) are two teenagers associated with rival gangs in the streets of New York City. While the hatred between rivals grows, so does the ... (read full)

3.5/4  West Side Story Quick Review
I'm not a huge musical fan - but this is one that works. From the opening shot - through big, boisterous dance numbers - West Side Story works on almost all levels. You do have to be in the right mood to get through it, though.

3.5/4  West Side Story Quick Review
The music makes this song (along with the dancing). It is all very well done and planned. Natalie wood does a perfect job to fulfill the role of a young rival gang sister. The only thing that brings this movie down is the length. I still don't think the movie has ended.

4/5 disney has nothing on the classics
  by Susan L. Wiesner (atlanta)
we purchased this film for our granddaughter, who is now hooked. Fabulous choreography. Wonderful moral story. Let's not forget the classics in this Disney world!

1/5 West Side STory...dvd
  by Jane B. Miller (GEORGETOWN MAINE USA)
the dvd has a constant hum. Will be sending it back. thanks.

1/5 no update on 1961 movie T
  by Milton Papas
The movie West Side Story won 10 Awards. You would think that a update DVD would have been made,but no. The colors are washed out which ruins quite a bit of the movie. You would think someone would have remaster to protect this classic movie.

5/5 John du Prey - Classical Review
  by Wayne D. Olson (Bloomington, MN)
Romantically speaking, the delicate crescendo of unfinished love dominates this powerful classic (easily one of the finest dramatic musicals ever produced). The unfolding of love, passion, and intimacy between Tony and Maria, like the riptide, spills into the soul of this film. Their whispered and orchestrated words on the balcony create nuances beyond the realm of normal drama. Their marriage before God establishes their union, solidifies the romantic crescendo, and allows Maria to mourn her husband's death at the end. It is a complete tragedy on all respective levels.

All meetings between Tony (played by Richard Beymer) and Maria (played by Natalie Wood) are stunning in presentation. The musical overtures are superb, the dancing is brilliant, and the conflict between the Jets and Sharks (women included) has its own originality in classical terms. Yet, Maria alone commands the stage in virtually all tender moments (except those involving Anita); our heroine's softness, intelligence, and untested wisdom establishes her emotive control of the play (start to finish). In as much as her humility does not detract from the other powerful performances, Maria displays honor, sacrifice, depth, and commitment throughout the entire drama. We observe Natalie Wood in her finest hour as a gifted actress.

The principles of romantic tragedy dominant this play in its careful adherence to the plot and character development within Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (who is Maria's unspoken mentor in matters of passion and control of one's lover). She redirects Tony away from secreted romance into the tragic consequences of interfering with the rumble; the deaths of Bernardo (her brother) and Riff (Tony's closest friend) are related (within dramatic irony) to her secret intervention (supposedly on their behalf). In truth, this masterpiece resides in both categories, tragedy and romance; bound (perhaps) by her mournful voice, "Don't you touch him!" Our catharsis is directly affected by Maria's youthful passion related to unfinished love in its most delicate stages.

4/5 Felt liked rated R. . . COOL!
  by
When my grandma and grampa came out to visit us (my family), daddy found West Side Story just coming on. So we sat to watch it.

It is kinda like modern (not-so modern now) Romeo and Juilet. Only, it includes graffiti, that short guy who wants to be with the good guys, and a few more.

I think I gave West Side Story a four because the use of teens smoking, the good guys leader telling his 'buddys' to bring guns, knives, swords, ect.. I also gave four stars 'cause the ending is kinda sad. My mom started crying and was really, really in your face, like, 'Ohhh, Tony died, shame on Chico.'

P.S. I was eight when I saw this. . . it really should have been rated R (mild violence, language)