kevin c
Classic. Don't see how Speilburg can make this better
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/29/21
Full Review
Michael
The film was great of course. But I want to thank Hawthorne 12 theater (Vernon Hills, Illinois) and Fathom for the presentation. Print of film was new beautiful, the colors were hot—-and there were no glitches. Well presented. Even intermission was handled well ( with time on screen)
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/29/21
Full Review
cathie
This is my all-time favorite movie that I’ve loved since I first saw it in 1975. I lost count how many times I watched this movie, and tonight was no disappointment. The seats are so comfortable and the theater was perfect for this movie.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/29/21
Full Review
Hannah P
Loved the movie! My friend enjoyed it too!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/29/21
Full Review
Paul
horrible. the theater couldn't log in to show the movie. received an error message that either the broadcast was unavailable due to maintenance or access was unauthorized.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
11/29/21
Full Review
Catrina B
Love and Rivalry: The Timeless Story of West Side Story
The original West Side Story, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, is a 1961 film adaptation of the Broadway musical. The film is available for viewing on a variety of platforms, ›including Amazon Prime, Hulu, and MAX, and is 2 and a half hours long. This adaption of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, tells the story of forbidden love set among gang conflicts in 1950s New York. Tony, a Jet, falls hopelessly in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the Sharks' leader, sparking a series of disastrous events.
The most notable aspect of this movie is the music, singing, and choreography. Leonard Bernstein’s musical competition left a lot of room for choreographers to assemble entrancing dance numbers that captivated an audience, which they for sure did. Each dance sequence not only dazzles visually but also advances the narrative. The opening prologue, performed without dialogue, brilliantly establishes the simmering conflict between the Jets and Sharks. Natalie Wood delivers an enthralling portrayal as the Puerto Rican who falls in love with Richard Beymer, despite the rule on group intermingling. Perhaps the most colorful performance comes from George Chakiris, leader of the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. Rita Moreno, who is in love with Chakiris, delivers a fierce performance.
Co-directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise, the show effectively blends theatrical choreography and film techniques. Robbins' dance routines, particularly the opening prologue and the gym dance, blend effortlessly into the story, expressing the intensity and energy of the gangs. Leonard Bernstein's original soundtrack, along with , remains a masterwork, featuring iconic songs such as "Tonight" and "Somewhere." The orchestration, which incorporates classical symphonic themes with jazz and Latin influences, heightens the drama and emotional stakes of the plot.
Boris Leven's production design brilliantly depicts the dirty yet glorified streets of New York. Irene Sharaff's costume design emphasizes the cultural contrast between the Jets and Sharks, with the Sharks wearing vivid, colorful outfits and the Jets in muted tones. Numbers such as "Maria" and "America" demonstrate Bernstein's mastery of creating complicated and emotionally emotional melodies. Color and shadow are critical elements in West Side Story's visual storytelling. The cinematography defines the Jets and Sharks' conflicting worlds with rich, saturated colors. The Sharks' sceneries frequently use reds and yellows, whereas the Jets' themes trend toward cooler tones, suggesting their stoicism and territoriality. Shadows are often used to heighten tension and express the themes of division. The fire escape scene, where Tony and Maria declare their love, is bathed in soft, romantic light, as opposed to the looming shadows of the gritty urban environment. I especially appreciate the usage of shadows to differentiate the gangs and to highlight racial disparities. The Sharks are typically placed in shadowy areas and visually associated with danger and secrecy, whereas the Jets signifying white privilege, are frequently represented in brighter, more open areas. Not only is the usage of colors, light, and shadows visually stunning, but also adds to the themes of the film.
The 1961 film West Side Story is a cinematic classic. Its ground-breaking choreography, unforgettable performances, and emotional storytelling continue to enchant viewers. Leonard Bernstein's brilliant score and Jerome Robbins' revolutionary dance sets a high standard for musicals even decades later. The visceral way that song and dance portray the story reminds listeners of the musical genre's particular power. I was on an emotional rollercoaster as I watched, from wanting to dance along, to feeling the characters grief and heartbreak. Despite being nearly 60 years old, the film remains vibrant and relevant. Its visual techniques, performances, and timeless story ensure that it continues to be a cornerstone of musical cinema. I feel as though West Side Story is a great musical to show a friend who is new or apprehensive to the genre of musicals. It is a classic that does not need to be touched or remade. Experiencing West Side Story is an all-encompassing journey that merges visuals, audio, and feelings in ways that few movies are able to replicate. I believe many people will be able to see themselves in a character, or the story. Thumbs up to this timeless classic, which established the benchmark for musical adaptations in movies.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/14/24
Full Review
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