A best picture that truly was. A beautiful re-imagining of the old tale of Romeo and Juliet. There are so many good things about this movie. The Dance fights, the music, the love. The Jets and the Sharks are rival gangs fighting for the same turf, when one night two star crossed lovers catch each others eye across the gym. But can their love overcome their situation. Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) are our Romeo and Juliet, and a fine couple they are. They personify the old ways of romance in film both in song and acting and it is fantastic. When they are in the scene it becomes only them. The way they are meant to feel. A Gang war ruins their chance at happiness. Riff (Russ Tamblyn) and Bernardo (George Chakiris) are the leaders of our gangs Jets and the Sharks. Who seem to hate each other and determined to settle the score in sometimes awkward, but always delightful, dance fights. They guys and gals make you understand their hate, and yet also let you have fun eith them. The beginnings feels like a fake fun filled romp through the city filled with laughs and jokes.It transitions to a true drama. A drama of death and loved loss that leaves you with a sad satisfaction, but also of enjoyment of earlier parts in the film. I have never been on much for Shakespeare, but this version is truly a credit to his story which I had the supreme pleasure to enjoy on the big screen like few of my generation can.
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