Musical about two youngsters from rival New York City gangs who fall in love.
I understand this film won 10 Oscars, and I understand why. It truly deserved them. The opening dance scene ranks as one of the greatest scenes in move history and the choreography is almost unbelievable. Not to mention the film stars one of my favorite people, Russ Tamblyn (who I know from "Twin Peaks" but you might know as Gideon from "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers").
I do feel the film does not hold up well today, though. It runs long, drags a lot, and many of the songs could be cut short or cut completely, adding nothing to character development or the plot. And the biggest mistake was casting Natalie Wood. I understand she added a known name to the picture, but she did not do her own singing, barely danced, and is obviously not Puerto Rican. I simply cannot understand who decided that the film would benefit from her inclusion.
I understand this film won 10 Oscars, and I understand why. It truly deserved them. The opening dance scene ranks as one of the greatest scenes in move history and the choreography is almost unbelievable. Not to mention the film stars one of my favorite people, Russ Tamblyn (who I know from "Twin Peaks" but you might know as Gideon from "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers").
I do feel the film does not hold up well today, though. It runs long, drags a lot, and many of the songs could be cut short or cut completely, adding nothing to character development or the plot. And the biggest mistake was casting Natalie Wood. I understand she added a known name to the picture, but she did not do her own singing, barely danced, and is obviously not Puerto Rican. I simply cannot understand who decided that the film would benefit from her inclusion.