West Side Story (NR, 1961)
common sense media says
Musical masterpiece tackles race, with some violence.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this updated Romeo and Juliet story explores race relations and immigration within a musical format. Street fighting and knifings are depicted, though some of the violence is lessened by the choreography. In one disturbing scene, a gang of boys physically abuses a young woman and a rape almost takes place. A major character is killed.
Positive role models:
The leading female character, Maria is an inspirational role model who does not believe in fighting or war. She has the ability to view people for who they really are, rather than focusing on race or social class. The male role models in the film are lessons to be learned from. Riff and Bernardo are unable to let their hate for one another subside. Determined to hurt each other they will fight to the death, even if it's at the expense of someone else's life.
Violence:
Although 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.
Sex:
A brief reference to prostitution. Some kissing.
Language:
The words "hell" and "s--t" are used, as well as derogatory names: "spic" and "polack."
Consumerism:
Coca-Cola bottles and boxes are moved about and classic Chevrolet cars line the streets.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
A musical number mentions drinking and the use of specific drugs. In dialogue, there are brief references to alcoholism. Many characters smoke cigarettes.
More on West Side Story
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Most useful reviews by all members
Chrissy505
adult
adult
Amazing
This was an amazing, amazing movie with memorable characters and a wonderful story. It's also very sad I started crying when Tony gets killed and when Maria takes the gun and wants to kill herself. It's beautiful. I highly suggest it for older kids because my little brother started crying really really hard and asked if he was dead (I told him he was just passed out so he wouldn't cry harder). Still an amazing movie though. See it See it See it!!!!!!!
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reader333
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Graph-Sad (the worst mix)
It was great in the begining, but it got so sad and violent I had to force myself to turn it off. For kids at least 14 at least.
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RubberSoul
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Great and Brilliant
We saw this in school, and it was really cool. Really nice, and everyone should see it
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Airgirl2010
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
From ballerinas to gangsters...
I don't understand this movie at all. Good dancing , check , catchy tunes , check but they go from dancing ballerinas to knife holding gangsters. We had to watch it in music class and everyones was like " what the heck??!!" This movie took forever to get to the movie, I mean , what's the point of the color changing screen in the beggining for 15 minutes? Not really appropriate... a bit odd.
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paddy19
adult
adult
Classic
I disagree, I think this movie should not be R. This movie is a classic musical and I think it brings up a lot of good topics. Yes you might have to talk to you child afterwards about parts but that is what it is there for. It is to bring up thoughts and to bring publicity to problems that were happening in the US. I watched this when I was in middle school and liked it and understood it. I do believe that some children might not be ready for it, but it is a classic because it is a good movie and musical.
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kidreviewer
adult
adult
A powerful story
West Side Story is one of the most moving and powerful movies you will ever see. It brings up very important issues about the lines between races and cultures, and what can happen if people think those lines shouldn't be crossed. It really made me think about how horribly people will act if they refuse to accept people from other cultures. I loved this movie, and thought it had very good music, but this is not a good movie for younger children.
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pepsicola147
adult
adult
Not A Children's Movie
I watched this at school, it is definetely not for those who disapprove of violence or the like. There are a few references to drugs and alcohol, and the Jets are seen smoking a lot. There is a gangster fight, and a girl is almost raped. It's a cruel movie, and shows how brutal people can be.
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sbdreamin
adult
adult
Great for conversation on social issues
West Side Story is another classic, along the lines of To Kill a Mockingbird, except with some fantastic singing and dancing. The social message is the whole point of the movie; it is a modern day Romeo and Juliet, where the boy and girl, due to their social backgrounds, are NOT supposed to be together but fall in love anyway. There is a lot of stuff about race, gangs, etc. that is still relevant over 40 years later. There are fights and violence and a main character gets killed, so this is not for the littlest ones... save this for your jr. high school and up age kids, unless very mature.
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MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Musical Classic is Marvelous!
This classic musical based off the romantic (and sad, hint hint) story of Romeo and Juliet is great. The film's choreography is the greatest choreography I've ever seen in a musical! The music is also wonderful, all of it stays in my mind replaying over and over again, which is actually great! But the films tone is a bit dark with it's gang wars and violence. And it's suggestive content and take on treatment of immigrants in America during the 1950's is edgy, but all and all this masterpiece is the best musical film ever created.
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Keds43@aol.com
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
GREAT MUSIC!
I LOOOOOOOOVE West Side Story. It was really entertaining and the songs were outstanding! My favorite is probably America. Some of the lyrics to that are really funny like the character Bernardo says, "I think I go back to San Juan," and his girlfriend Anita says, "I know a boat you can get on!" Bernardo: "Uh-huh! Everyone there will give big cheer!" Anita: "Everyone there will have moved here!" I also like the dance at the gym. The dancing is amazing. I think some really emotional people will cry at the end of this movie. If they ever make a re-make, Vanessa Anne Hudgens and Zac Efron should play the leading roles of Maria and Tony.
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rmgondella
adult
adult
High Art But Not For Children
We thought we'd let our 9 and 6 year olds see this one... Boy what a mistake!
The violence is visceral, there's a great deal of hate language to explain, and at the end of the day, a musical in this context is hard to explain... Like, why are they singing and dancing when they're killing and beating each other up?
A pretty good bet for a high school junior or senior, when prefaced with the proper sociological background. But no matter how good the movie is (and it's one of the best ever) it is definitely NOT suitable for children 16 or under.
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Musicgirl209
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
My Dad told me it was a version of Romeo and Juliet, and you know what that means the ending will be..... It was a bad sad ending. And yes there can be good sad endings.
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LECkitty
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Awesomeness!
One of the best movies of all time. I am currently in a play of "West Side Story", starring as Maria, and so I've watched it many times. The stabbing and rumble scene is kind of violent. Girls might feel sad about the Jets taunting Anita (I did!). Overall, one of the best movies (and musicals!).
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jammy145
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
cool songs but very sad
i love this movie its got some great songs in but maybe a little too sad.
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MRW2
kid, 8 years old
kid, 8 years old
Good movie, script. Not too many bad advisories
Kinda violent, profane, sexual....but great lessons about race and a well-written script.
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rose56967
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Musical
I love this movie, it's really good. The only thing to look out for is the violence, because of the gangs.
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smartngirly
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
WATCH THIS!!
I love this play/movie. Well I did, but then I got cast as Maria in our school play and Kai's (who plays tony) breath smells terrible! It is so hard to sing duets with him!! I wanted to be a jet, maybe chino (even though I'm a girl) This movie is great! Watch it, or you will be missing out on an amazing movie.
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Equestrian.Sam ...
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
Absolutely Spectacular
West Side Story, I believe, is a classis for all ages. It is based on Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. You really feel for the characters by the end, as if you know them. A must see.
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