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West Side Story (1961)
🕑 Added 2025-08-08 17:30:04 +0000 UTC***Light Spoilers Below***
West Side Story (1961) sits at 51 on the AFI list. A powerful film with a poignant ending that will for sure linger in my mind. This vibrant film has many brilliant shots, complemented by an amazing score, lively dancing, and engaging camera movement. I loved the sets and how they brought this film to the screen.
The message of the film hits home; the final scene is heart-wrenching, leaving you gutted and reflecting on life and love. Along with the senselessness of division. It's an interesting play on a retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
I see the AFI choosing this film because of its emotional depth and cultural impact, then and now, and I believe it to be a timeless classic. The technical brilliance of this film is truly impressive, and the themes it tackles are thought-provoking.
Not sure how many of you will watch this one, but I do recommend it if you want to check off all the movies on this list, like me. I left some space for the music to breathe and really hit me. Which it did. I loved seeing these beautiful actors work. Especially seeing Puerto Rican actors soar!
Let me know your thoughts below!
xx
ames
Comments
Lana Gorgeous
It was a pleasure watching it with you, it is considered the greatest musical of all time. I first saw it in 1968 and cry every time I see it. My older sister was in the play in high school in 1972. I love musicals and it is my fav of all time. If you every have an opportunity you should watch HAIR from 1979 and also worth it if Jesus Christ Superstar from 1973. I also love The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. West Side Story was released on October 18, 1961, through United Artists, the film received praise from critics and viewers, and became the highest-grossing film of 1961. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 10, including Best Picture (in addition to a special award for Robbins), becoming the record holder for the most wins for a musical. West Side Story is regarded as one of the greatest musical films of all time. The film was designated as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1997.
Ron Fatica
I love this musical, one of my favorites of all time, especially because it came out the year I was born. I minor bummer, devotion to accuracy, Natalie Wood's singing voice was actually over-dubbed by Marni Nixon, who also dubbed the singing voice of Deborah Kerr in The King and I. Still a magnificent work of art. (Consider The King and I!)
