A musical in which a modern day Romeo and Juliet are involved in New York street gangs. On the harsh streets of the upper west side, two gangs battle for control of the turf. The situation becomes complicated when a gang members falls in love with a rival’s sister.
West Side Story/Film synopsis
What is the main theme of West Side Story?
West Side Story is truly everywhere — and with its themes of love striving to rise above hatred; the fear of immigrants; and the toxicity of racism, West Side Story speaks to us today as urgently as ever.
What is the mood of West Side Story?
Although West Side Story could properly be termed a musical tragedy, the emphasis on the latter word would be misleading. There is joy and humor profusely illuminating the stark story, and the total mood of the picture is uplifting.
Is West Side Story realism?
In 1957, audiences—and critics—were divided on “West Side Story”. This violent, realistic (for its time), and tragic musical broke so many rules and pushed so many boundaries it is easy to forget today that it was so divisive because it paved the path for so many innovations to follow—ones we take for granted.
What happened at the fight in West Side Story?
In the midst of the fight, Bernardo kills Riff. Before the stunned members of both gangs can react, Tony, enraged at the murder of his best friend, picks up Riff’s blade and stabs Bernardo, killing him instantly. This sets off a free-for-all amidst the gang members.
How does West Side Story end?
Feeling there is no longer anything to live for, Tony leaves to find Chino, begging for him to shoot him as well. Just as Tony sees Maria alive, Chino arrives and shoots Tony. The Jets, Sharks, and adults flock around the lovers. Maria holds Tony in her arms (and sings a quiet, brief reprise of “Somewhere”) as he dies.
What is the role of loyalty in West Side Story?
Tony’s expected to stick by the Jets even though he’s not one of them anymore, while Maria’s expected to start hating Tony after her brother Bernardo gets killed. Her loyalty to Tony wins out, but it’s one of the themes that produces the conflict in the film.
What is the plot of West Side Story?
The plot of “West Side Story” follows the romance between Maria and Tony, two teenagers affiliated with rival gangs in New York City. The movie is based on Shakespeare’s ” Romeo and Juliet ” and follows many of the same story beats. “West Side Story” involves a rivalry between the Jets , a white gang, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang.
How to watch West Side Story?
At the time of publication, West Side Story unfortunately isn’t available to stream for free on any online platforms. But you can buy or rent the movie via services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, or YouTube. It’s worth noting that the 1961 film has come under fire in recent years for whitewashing its cast.
What was the conflict in West Side Story?
Conflict In West Side Story. Jets. The rivalry between the gangs is in place from the beginning, but it reaches a fever pitch when Maria falls for Tony, the founder of the Jets, at a local dance. West Side Story is the classic tragedy of Romeo & Juliet set in a modern setting.
Who stared in West Side Story?
Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence starred in the original Broadway production of “West Side Story.”. After playing for 732 performances, “West Side Story” was turned into a film starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer in 1961, and later revived in 1964 and 1980.
