It hardly seems possible that the movie WEST SIDE STORY is actually 50 years old. When you read those words the first thing that pops into mind is...am I really that old? The answer is yes and would be far better if I thought I had survived as well as this film.
For the few who aren't aware (or for the younger generation that seems to think the only movies made were those since they were born) here is the gist of the story in this film. Think Romeo and Juliet transported to the 50s gang era in New York. Then again if you don't know movies from 50 years ago who's to say you know Romeo and Juliet?
Gangs seemed to spring up everywhere in the 50s media. They were feared by the establishment and hailed by teens. The teen gangs became to subject of numerous investigations and arrests and then spawned a number of films. The first to treat them a little different was WEST SIDE STORY.
The Jets are the premier gang in their neighborhood. But with the influx of Puerto Rican's moving in the rival gang the Sharks are poised to take over. A confrontation is inevitable; it's just a matter of when. Leading the Jets is Riff (Russ Tamblyn) who views his turf as a home for the gang bereft of a regular family. The Jest ARE their family. And no one is going to take away their "home",
In charge of the Sharks is Bernardo (George Charkiris). While many Puerto Rican immigrants view America as an opportunity, Bernardo just sees the degradation and put downs for his people, including his sister Maria (Natalie Wood). And the Jets treatment of Bernardo and his friends is just the culmination of how he views the world in America.
Both gangs are ready to explode and the final straw happens at the high school dance. Along with the Jets is ex-member Tony (Richard Beymer) who wants to move on with his life working and away from the gangs. He sees the downfall it leads to. With Bernardo comes Maria to her first dance. The two see one another and its love at first sight. But Bernardo steps in between them.
The two love birds still find a way to see one another and share their hopes and dreams of finding a world where they can be themselves and not worry about others. At the same time the Jets and Sharks have a war council and are planning a rumble to fight one another.
During the fight Riff is killed by Bernardo, Bernardo by Tony and suddenly the advice everyone has to offer the two lovers nearly wrecks their chances at happiness. Can they make it out of their world of hate? Can two people from two different backgrounds work through their differences and resolve their problems? Those are just some of the themes at work here.
So now that you have the story you might wonder what makes this one so special. Perhaps I failed to mention that this isn't just a movie but a musical. Yes here we have a group of tough teens dancing and leaping and singing about how much they love their gangs. Unusual? Sure but it works and works well.
Initially this story ran on Broadway but never to huge box office success. The movie changed all of that. It did big at the box office and even won the Oscar for best picture, best director (Robert Wise), supporting actor (Chakiris), supporting actress (Rita Moreno as Bernardo's girlfriend), cinematography and more. When that happened the play became a world wide sensation as well.
But back to the movie. It has been called one of the greatest movie musicals of all times. It has been hailed as the best of the best. But while it is good, I've never quite found it to be among my most favorite. There are sequences that will stick with me forever when it comes to film history and my own enjoyment (the entire sequence of the song "Cool" is amazing to this day and I love the song "When You're A Jet") but on the whole I was never quite in love with the movie.
That being said, the new blu-ray transfer of the film is amazing. This film is being seen as it should be, in glorious color with a transfer and restoration from what was previously available done right. It is one of the best examples of why film restoration is something people should take seriously and consider. Many of the films from our past, from when we were growing up, are deteriorating in cans around the world. One day those movies may be gone and forgotten but not if they can be saved.
The movie seen here is better than a number of films released since. The dance numbers, choreographed by the late great Jerome Robbins is fantastic. It's a combination of ballet, jazz dance and improv that combines to become something unique. Robbins was in on this play from the start and co-directed with Wise. Their work together here is remarkable.
The music sticks with you in some songs and falls into the memory bank with others. If you don't walk away with at least one in your head for days, one that you find yourself humming later in the week, I would be surprised. That's something to be said for a movie that's 50 years old. And the quality of this production and restoration is something to treasure as much as the songs offered. If you've never seen WEST SIDE STORY you now have a chance. Not just any chance, but one that offers it in the best possible way ever.
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