Common Sense Media Review
Musical masterpiece tackles race, with some violence.
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Why Age 11+?
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West Side Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say the movie features strong musical elements, memorable songs, and dance, but contains significant adult themes such as violence, gang rivalry, and mature sexual content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While many appreciate its classic status and engaging choreography, the depiction of violence and problematic stereotypes may lead some parents to consider it inappropriate for children under a certain age.
- musical themes
- violence concerns
- adult content
- classic appeal
- character depth
- recommended age
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Run time : 152 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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