Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this updated Romeo and Juliet story centers on two racially determined gangs. There is street fighting and knifings.
Families who see this movie will have an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues of racism, immigration, gangs, and youth culture. Why was Maria able to look beyond her Puerto Rican heritage to find love when those around her could not. And what about the picture of the American Dream in the minds of the two different groups?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pluta
Co-directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, this beautiful musical is a visual masterpiece packed with talent. The music of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is unforgettable, as are the Oscar-winning performances of George Chakiris as Bernardo and Rita Moreno as Anita, the spunky girlfriend of Bernardo and confidant of Maria.
Typical of conventional musicals, the raging emotions of the characters are expressed through song and dance. This point cannot be emphasized enough, as several fourteen-year-old viewers wanted to know why on earth gang members were dancing. The choreography by Jerome Robbins draws on jazz and ballet, with an unmistakable Latin influence. The result: a kinetic display of emotion more expressive than words.
From the opening overhead shots revealing characters trapped within high chain-link fences and narrow alleyways, the sets and cinematic technique take the movie to another level, rich with visual symbolism.
While it may be tempting to focus solely on the movie's artistic merits, it would be a mistake to ignore the social commentary that will most likely raise many questions in the minds of young viewers. The movie provides an excellent opportunity for families to discuss the issues of racism, discrimination, gangs, and youth culture, as well as the emotions that unite all human beings. The bottom line: WEST SIDE STORY is sure to provide a stirring, interactive viewing experience for teens and adults alike.
Viewers may enjoy making connections between the parallel plots of WEST SIDE STORY and Romeo and Juliet. For those who want to experience Shakespeare's work visually, Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet is an excellent version of the story.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentA brief references to prostitution. |
 |
 |
|
|
ViolenceAlthough choreographed with dance moves, the big fight scene leads to two characters being stabbed to death. Another is shot to death. A female character is nearly raped. The gang feuding can be difficult to watch. |
|
|
 |
|
LanguageThe word "hell" is used. |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorGang fights based on race, but love conquers all. |
 |
 |
|
|
Commercialism |
|
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA musical number mentions drinking and the use of specific drugs. In dialogue, there are brief references to alcoholism. |
|
|
|
|
