West Side Story (1961): Enjoy The Classic Musical Starring Natalie Wood

“West Side Story,” the classic 1961 musical starring Natalie Wood, is an iconic film about two rival gangs in 1950s New York City. The story follows Tony and Maria, two star-crossed lovers who must contend with their families’ long-standing feud. Featuring a brilliant soundtrack that includes hits like “Maria” and “Something’s Coming,” this movie captures the struggles of youth in a way that still resonates today. With its vibrant colors and dynamic dance numbers, it’s no wonder that “West Side Story” has been beloved by audiences for nearly 60 years.

The movie features great performances from Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer as Tony and Maria, respectively. The supporting cast also shines, with Rita Moreno delivering a standout performance as Anita. All of the actors bring energy to their roles, making this movie a joy to watch. The choreography is also impressive, with exciting sequences like the Sharks vs Jets rumble being particularly memorable.

The musical score is unforgettable as well. Composed by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, the soundtrack includes songs such as “Tonight” and “America” that have become beloved classics. It also features some beautiful ballads like “Somewhere” that capture the heartfelt emotions of the characters.

Overall, West Side Story is an incredible movie experience that deserves to be seen again and again. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, you won’t be disappointed by this timeless classic. Next up: let’s take a closer look at what makes West Side Story so special.

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West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood Review

Directed by Academy Award winners Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, West Side Story (1961) is an iconic classic movie starring Natalie Wood as Maria. The film features a modern adaptation of the classic William Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet, set in New York City’s gritty West Side neighborhood in the 1950s. It’s a timeless tale of two young lovers from opposing gangs who must face off against each other to be together.

Key Features:

1. Starring Natalie Wood as Maria.

2. Directed by Academy Award winners Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins.

3. A modern adaptation of the classic William Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet.

4. Set in New York City’s gritty West Side neighborhood in the 1950s.

5. Timeless tale of two young lovers from opposing gangs who must face off against each other to be together.

Experience the timeless love story between Maria and Tony as they battle their way through gang rivalries and prejudice in West Side Story. With lush musical numbers, captivating performances, and amazing choreography, this classic movie is a must-see for fans of musical theater, romance and drama. So grab some popcorn and your favorite companion, hit play, and immerse yourself in this timeless classic today!

Product Details

Title	Year	Starring
West Side Story (1961)	1961	Natalie Wood
Genre
Romance, Drama, Musical
Director
Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins
Producer
Walter Mirisch & Robert Wise
Music Composer(s)
Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim
Studio(s)
United Artists

West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
West Side Story (1961) is one of the most iconic musicals in cinematic history, starring the beloved Natalie Wood. The musical is a riveting and beautiful retelling of Romeo and Juliet set on the gritty streets of New York City. The film features stunning choreography, stunning cinematography, and an unforgettable score composed by Leonard Bernstein. It’s an absolute classic that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.

2. Cons:
The downside to West Side Story(1961) is that some of its themes are dated, such as racial stereotypes and gender roles. Additionally, the story can be quite dark at times, making it not suitable for young children. Nevertheless, it remains an important part of movie history and should be seen by all serious film fans.

Who are They for

West Side Story (1961) is a groundbreaking and iconic musical film adaptation of the Broadway play, featuring the beloved stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno and George Chakiris. The story is a modern take on Romeo and Juliet, set in 1950s New York City. This Academy Award-winning film follows two star-crossed lovers from different backgrounds: Tony, a Polish-American who is part of the Jets gang, and Maria, a Puerto Rican immigrant who is part of the Sharks.

The legendary choreography by Jerome Robbins has been hailed as some of the best ever filmed. From energetic song and dance numbers like “America” to heart-wrenching ballads like “Somewhere”, West Side Story offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic Broadway or a lover of timeless cinema, this movie will move you with its powerful story about love and acceptance.

My Experience for West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood

I was so excited when I watched West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood. It was the first time I had seen a movie that blended ballet, music and drama into a powerful story.

The story of two young lovers, Tony and Maria, caught in the middle of a turf war between two rival gangs – the Jets and the Sharks – captivated me from start to finish. The scene where Tony and Maria sing “Tonight” together is iconic, and it will stay with me for years to come.

The performances of the entire cast were incredible, but Natalie Wood stole the show with her charming beauty and powerful presence. With her in this movie, the tension between love and hatred was tangible, making West Side Story an unforgettable masterpiece!

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. Some of the songs and dialogue are hard to understand due to a poor audio mix.
2. The film is not colorized, which could be a downside for some viewers.
3. The choreography and dancing can seem outdated for modern audiences.
4. It has a long run-time of almost three hours.
5. There is limited character development in some parts of the story.

How to Create a Dance Scene Inspired by West Side Story

West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood is an iconic musical film about two rival gangs in New York City. The movie features some of the most memorable dance scenes in cinema history, combining ballet and modern dance styles with exciting Latin rhythms. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own unique version of a West Side Story-style dance scene, here’s how.

First, choose a song that has both Latin and classical elements. Popular choices include “America” from the musical, or the traditional song “Mambo Italiano”. Next, plan out your choreography using these different elements. This can be as simple or complex as you like; just make sure there are plenty of opportunities for each dancer to show off their moves.

Once you have your choreography worked out, it’s time to practice it with your dancers. Make sure to use props such as flags, hats, or scarves to add visual interest and excitement to the routine. Finally, film the scene on location or in a studio setting using multiple cameras. You can edit together all the angles at once for an action-packed result!

Creating a dance scene inspired by West Side Story isn’t just fun – it also provides an opportunity to explore different types of movement and music. So why not give it a try?

Questions about West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood

What is the plot of West Side Story (1961)?

West Side Story (1961) is a classic musical that tells the story of two young lovers, Tony and Maria, who come from two different worlds but find love in spite of their differences. Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York City, they must battle prejudices and rival gangs to be together. The film features an all-star cast, including Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer as Tony, Rita Moreno as Anita, Russ Tamblyn as Riff, and George Chakiris as Bernardo.

What awards did West Side Story (1961) win?

West Side Story (1961) won 10 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Director for Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, and Best Supporting Actor for George Chakiris. It also won a Golden Globe® for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and was nominated for 8 BAFTA Awards®, winning 5.

Who composed the music for West Side Story (1961)?

The music for West Side Story (1961) was composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It includes iconic songs such as “Something’s Coming”, “Tonight” and “America” which have become part of popular culture since its release.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!