West Side Story movie relevant even today
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Tags: west side story – bollywood – musical – natalie wood – rita moreno
“Some Like It Hot” and “Vampyros Lesbos” are two retro films that I have talked about as I enjoy a few of them in my quest to understand the past. This time let me talk about “West Side Story.” The fact that the movie was awarded as many as ten Oscars tells you a lot about the quality of the movie, but I did have some other thoughts as well.
- I have acquired a taste for musicals only after I watched “Chicago.” Prior to that I thought musicals were as boring as Bollywood films. However, “West Side Story” belongs to the same class as “Chicago.”
- Lorena, who also does not like musicals (particularly those inspired by “Romeo and Juliet”) kept saying that it reminded her so much of telenovelas (Spanish soap operas popular in Latin America) – they are stupid, fantasies, and devoid of any intellect. Indeed, there are parts where you would feel that, but if you remember that this is a musical (with all the associated drama and emotions), you will appreciate it.
- While the movie was made in 1961 and highlights the challenges of interracial dating, integration of new migrants in the United States (despite the fact that they were not illegal, but the language and culture difference made it hard), and meaningless gang violence – what struck me the most was that not much has changed since then. All of these issues are still so relevant to our society even today. And I can say that from personal experience, being one of the small percentage of interracial couples in the country.
I particularly liked acting by Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, and Richard Beymer. Strongly recommended.
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