Bernstein's music, Sondheim's lyrics and Robbins's choreography are great, but as a movie it falls short of the truly inspired cinematic musicals.
Comment
02/19/08
West Side Story (1961)
94 %
Reviews Counted: 49 Fresh: 46 Rotten:3 Average Rating: 8.2/10
Consensus:
Buoyed by Robert Wise's dazzling direction, Leonard Bernstein's score, and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics, West Side Story remains perhaps the most iconic of all the Shakespeare adaptations to visit the big screen.
Rated: PG
Runtime: 2 hrs 39 mins
Theatrical Release: 26-08-2005
Synopsis: Considered one of the most popular musicals of all time, WEST SIDE STORY earned director Robert Wise an Oscar for Best Director as well as nine other Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Realistically portrayed characters and their surroundings and expert editing complementing... [More]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Starring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris
Director: Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins
Screenwriter: Ernest Lehman
Producer: Robert Wise
Composer: Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Green
Screenwriter: Ernest Lehman
Producer: Robert Wise
Composer: Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Green
Reviews
Leonard Bernstein's rich, eloquent and demanding score is still a powerful experience.
02/19/08
Top Critic
Technically stunning, with dazzling choreography matching an unforgettable score.
02/19/08
Top Critic
How does the film -- which won ten Oscars on its 1961 release -- stand up now? Very well indeed.
01/26/06
Top Critic
It's the groundbreaking combination of toe-tapping tunes and wailing pathos, which makes this a truly arresting musical.
08/23/05
Top Critic
Top Critic
Decent 1961 adaptation of the Bernstein-Robbins musical, if you can handle Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood in the leads.
02/09/07
Top Critic
An energetic and vibrant musical that modernizes the Romeo and Juliet story ably and with great passion.
11/15/06
One of the most effective musical movies, due to its Shakespearean inspiration, Robbins' exciting dances, Bernstein's exquisite score, Sondheim's witty lyrics; but you have to contend with schmaltzy love story and Marnie Nixon dubbing Natalie Wood
07/21/06
[This] is a world unlike any other, a phenomenal filmmaking achievement.
02/09/05
Related Forums
My all time fav. movie
by: daris 9/20/06
by: daris 9/20/06
News
AFI Announces Top 100 Movies of All Time ... Again
posted by Scott Weinberg June 22, 2007
Ten years ago the AFI gave us a list of the Top 100 American Films Ever Made -- and when that was done they churned out 15...
posted by Scott Weinberg June 22, 2007
Ten years ago the AFI gave us a list of the Top 100 American Films Ever Made -- and when that was done they churned out 15...
Burton & Depp Together for the 6th Time: Sweeney Todd
posted by Scott Weinberg August 17, 2006
When Tim Burton and Johnny Depp get together, pretty wild movies tend to happen. Frankly I think all five of their...
posted by Scott Weinberg August 17, 2006
When Tim Burton and Johnny Depp get together, pretty wild movies tend to happen. Frankly I think all five of their...
Hollywood Giant Robert Wise Passes Away at 91
posted by Scott Weinberg September 15, 2005
Master filmmaker and 4-time Oscar winner Robert Wise has died at the age of 91. Probably best known as the director of...
posted by Scott Weinberg September 15, 2005
Master filmmaker and 4-time Oscar winner Robert Wise has died at the age of 91. Probably best known as the director of...
Legendary Screenwriter Ernest Lehman Passes Away
posted by Scott Weinberg July 06, 2005
Veteran screenwriter / producer Ernest Lehman passed away on July 2nd after a lengthy illness. Mr. Lehman was...
posted by Scott Weinberg July 06, 2005
Veteran screenwriter / producer Ernest Lehman passed away on July 2nd after a lengthy illness. Mr. Lehman was...
IGN RSS Feeds