West Side Story
Musical masterpiece tackles race, with some violence.
Parents say
Based on 8 reviews
Kids say
Based on 47 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
West Side Story
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that West Side Story is co-directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins' retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York. It stars Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer and explores race relations and immigration in a musical format that pits a White gang against a Puerto Rican one. Despite touching on race, only one of the main actors, Rita Moreno, is Latina. The movie includes several negative stereotypes about Latinos. Street fighting and knifings are depicted, though the impact of some of the violence is lessened by the choreography. In one disturbing scene, a gang of young men physically abuse a young woman, and sexual assault takes place. A major character is shot and killed.
Community Reviews
Don't foget
Report this review
High Art But Not For Children
Report this review
What's the Story?
A classic American musical with strong social commentary, WEST SIDE STORY updates Shakespeare's tragedy about star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, to 1950s New York City, where second-generation American street gang the Jets, led by Riff (Russ Tamblyn), are at constant odds with rival Puerto Rican gang the Sharks. A showdown is inevitable, but love gets in the way when Jets member Tony (Richard Beymer) falls for Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of Sharks leader Bernardo (George Chakiris). People die and hearts get broken.
Is It Any Good?
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.
The raging emotions of the characters are expressed through song and dance (Jerome Robbins' choreography mixes jazz, ballet, and Latin influences), resulting in a kinetic display of emotion more expressive than words. Stylish streetwise sets and cinematic technique take West Side Story to another level, rich with visual symbolism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the issues of racism, immigration, gangs, and youth culture. What do you think the two gangs in West Side Story would say about the American Dream?
What kinds of stereotypes are explored in this movie? Does the movie serve to challenge or reinforce stereotypes?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 23, 1961
- On DVD or streaming: April 1, 2002
- Cast: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno
- Directors: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Musical
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Run time: 152 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Romeo and Juliet
Wonderful, but a little too mature for some kids.
-
Gone with the Wind
Undeniably an epic, but lots of problematic representations.
-
Casablanca
Brief violence and lots of tension in top-notch classic.
For kids who love musicals
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate