In this 1960s, musical adaption of Romeo and Juliet, two lovers become infatuated with each other but the problem is that none of their friends would ever approve. They come from two different classes and backgrounds which are constantly at odds. The two sides frequently clash as represented by the Shark and Jet gangs. Naively, the lovers believe they can get away and be happy forever. However, the situation escalates when the gangs take part in a rumble. Pretty soon the situation is out of control and it has become something nobody wanted. Hope for the future finally seems possible for the pair but it is brutally crushed in an instant. The viewer is left with a feeling of tragedy. This is a very good film for the most part and many of the songs are great, sticking with you afterwards. I suppose it is quite difficult to go wrong with a story from Shakespeare .
4.5/5 Stars
4 Star Films 
Although it’s true that Tony and Maria’s romance does go up in smoke due to the sustained and constant hatred between the Jets and Sharks, it’s also true that West Side Story provides a ray of hope with a hint of possible reconciliation between the two sides, when several Jets and Sharks come together to carry Tony’s body off, after he’s been shot to death by an angry Chino.
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That’s a good point! It’s a tragedy but there is a hint of a silver lining. It adds more nuance to how the film ends.
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Thank for your input, 4StarFilmFan. The quotation “Every cloud has a silver lining.” applies to the end of West Side Story….perfectly.
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