Excellent but underrated film

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

It is strange to say why. because it is the musical "par excellence". many of its songs are well known by young public before they see the film. because each character has its perfect actor. because it is one of the most inspired adaptations of "Romeo and Juliet". because it is...magic. and one of motifs to admire scene by scene this film about the essence of youth, love and life. a film absolutely special. whithout know why. without define the motif for who, after its end, you desire see again. maybe, for the most inspired Mercutio of Russ Tamblyn., for lovely Maria of Natalie Wood ( and Marni Nixon), for Richard Beymer and, off course, George Chalkiris. so, special. and could be enough .

This is an appealing musical about the feuding New York gangs of the Jets and the Sharks. While battling who gets to take charge of the streets, the gang members all happen to attend the same dance event one night. There, Tony (Richard Beymer) meets Maria (Natalie Wood) and falls in love. However, their relationship are complicated by their sides' continuing feud.The actors' singing were splendidly done and the New York working class setting gives off just the right mood in the film.The movie was fast-paced and suspenseful. From the gangs' riff to Tony and Maria's forbidden love, both plot points blend in well in the film. The movie also touches the sensitivity of prejudice and race, but in a way that is suitable for a general audience. A powerful message and lesson are sent in the film as well.Many popular and classic songs are heard, from the "Jet Song" to "America" and from "Tonight" to "I Feel Pretty." A show-stopping music score by Leonard Bernstein and unforgettable dance numbers. Have to give a mention to Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, as they were both really charming and stunning in the film.Definitely one of the most iconic films in pop culture history.Grade B+

Come on, really. Who in the world would not like West Side Story. The greatest movie musical of ALL TIME. Unless you're a teenager, you must at least seen or heard about WSS sometime in your life. I'm 55 and I've been watching this since I was a kid. Was on TCM just last night and watched the whole thing.. no commercials...2 1/2 hrs. Yea, its that good. Tony and Maria? cmon... watching them look and sing to each other will make you fall in love again, unless you have no heart. Bernardo and Anita? They chew it up in each and every scene. Even if u seen this a million times, watch it again.... just because... and play it COOOL BOYYY

This movie is nothing but camp. The story line is awful. And the songs are just campy and stupid. Some people fall in love in New York. And there are gangs and it boring. And who cares. Why did this get 7.6. Any one likes a good story should hate it. And any one who like good music should hate it. This is not Romeo and Juliet. This is campy crap trying to be like Romeo and Juliet. This is 50's cheese say way from it. Do not waste your time. And do not waste your money. Do not see this awful movie. It is just pooh pooh. And any one who knows and good music would know it. This is pieces of pooh. Do not see it for the love of God do not see it. Save your eyes and ears.