West Side Story

In the context of 1960s, chain camps and junto wars be prevalent mingled with Latin and unobjectionable American youthfuls. For the reason that the etiolated American adolescents despise and discriminate against the Latin Americans (particularly the Puerto Rican race), the unobjectionables resort to bully the minorities and they even ostracize the Latin Americans by depriving them of their rights to use recreation places like the streets basketball game court, food theaters, and the like upon believing that the White Americans atomic number 18 the roughly superior and the better race than the Latin Americans and in so doing, the White Americans perceive and con fontr that should not mingle with those inferior and minority race (such that of the Latin Americans as an example) who were different from them (Brian 2005).Moreover, in this pictorial matter directed in 1961 by Jerome Robbins & Robert Wise authorise westbound stance Story, the encroach between the two oppos ing races micturately the White and the Latin Americans was except described through presentation of some usual scenarios that the Latin Americans un unspoiled encounter and experience with the White Americans. Body The west lieu Story is a movie adapted from Broadways musicale. It was an adaptation of the infamous Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet (UAPI 2009).Starred by Natalie Wood as maria, Richard Beymer as Tony, and George Chakiris as Bernardo, the rest of supporting features of the cinema includes Russ Tamblyn as ripple, Rita Moreno as Anita, Simon Oakland as Lieutenant Schrank, Ned rubbish as whom they call Doc, William Bramley (as the notorious police of the street) named, military officer Krupke, Tucker Smith as Ice, Tony Mordente as Action, Eliot Feld as the Baby John, and lastly, David Winters, as the one who portrayed the character of A-Rab (Shulman 1961). The Plot of the western hemisphere cheek Story The Movie West Side Story was depicted in the life of the citizens of the White and Latin Americans living in the 1950s in Manhattan streets of the unify States.A division was clearly unmixed as it was created and recognized by the adolescents of the east coast and west coast of Manhattan. The range begins in the mentioned streets of Manhattan as a self-gratifying and self-centered musical call was call by the Jets (the name for the White Americans gang and clique). Throughout the song sung by the Jets, the Puerto Ricans/Latin American adolescent gang led by Bernardo were discriminated and ostracized. First instance was when a fruit held by one of the Sharks (the name of the Latin adolescent Americans)it was abruptly grabbed by an separate fellow member of the Jets without consent and respect to the quiet Latino. Moreover, the Latin Americans/ Puerto Ricans were mostly driven away and out of establishments and public leisure places.It was evident in the entire picture show that the height of secernment and bias occurred in th e late 1950s to early 1960s and it was shown how the Latinos were mostly bullied by the White Americans (Dirks 1961). The compass of the West Side Story is at the basketball court of Manhattan. Even if the scenario in the court, it was obvious that the Latin Americans were discriminated as they were not favored to play in the kindred court with the White Americans. It was evident however, that there was a rival even in basketball for the two different races. Furthermore, a representative member of the Jets (White American adolescents) vandalized a wall and wrote Sharks stink Upon catching this adolescent in the act, the Sharks saw what the White American adolescent did and so they chased later on him and the sedition between the White and the Latin Americans began (Howe 2003). The Sharks (East berth) and the Jets (West expression) A hot-tempered and authoritative cop was assigned in monitoring the activities of the two distinct groups, The Sharks and Jets. The cops name was Of ficer Krupke, play by the actor William Bramley. Officer Krupkes major task and obligation is to control and to minimize the rate of crime and consequently concord pause and order in the streets of Manhattan. Meanwhile, the Jets (West view) were preoccupied in praising themselves with all pride and self-centered egoism. According to the Jets, they walk tall as they con postr themselves the kings of the streets in Manhattan.The Jets perceive that the east boldness, Sharks (the Latin Americans) were a threat to their dream of being the king of the streets, in so doing, the Jets consisting of the White Americans salutary would not s pass away throwing scoff at the Latinos and drive them away wherever the Jets hang out. Further, the Sharks or the Latin Americans led by Bernardo just kept themselves mum at a fourth dimension just to keep their group away from trouble. However their threshold of patience was reached at a certain point of them when Bernardo was mocked by the cop, O fficer Krupke himselfshowing that he was in favor of the White Americans. In this case, Bernardo patch upd he would stand up for his group and race and they decided to contradict in defense of those Jets and other White Americans who interfere with their freedom and right of quietness (RC 2008).Upon Bernardos (leader of the Sharks in west grimace) and his groups implicit decision to fight for their right of freedom, respect, and peace in Manhattan, they resort to fight with the Jets in a dance showdown. From that dance, the difference of the two cultures was shown in terms of their specialties in music genre the Latinos were expert dancers of boogie, salsa, twist, and cha-cha, whereas for the sporty Americans, they are good dancers but not as good and as creative dancers as the Latin Americans. During the dance showdown, two look met as if they were magnetised to notice each other inspite of the numerous Sharks and Jets saltation on the floor.The two love birds were mare (p layed by the famous Natalie Wood) and Tony (as portrayed by Richard Beymer). mare (a Puerto Rican/ Latin American woman) fell in love at graduation exercise sight with Tony ( a member of the Jets, a white American) during the first dance showdown between the White Americans and the Latin American adolescents. Further, the dance showdown halted as soon as Bernardo ( female horses brother) noticed the undesirable scene. Bernardo obviously did not want his sis to fall in love with a White American especially with belonging in their opponent Jets (Shulman 1961). In the next scene of the film, the West nerve Jets claim they have departed the social norm that is why they are anti-social and juvenile delinquents.According to the songs they sing, they rent help and they could not be blamed for their bearing since each one of them have their issues and problems in their families. Most of them were misunderstood and belonging in broken family adapt-up. At the end of their song, they ad dress officer Krupke (RC 2008). The climax of this lift is when the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks became intense up to the point that both parties decided to pick a fight and end their rival in duel. ON the other hand, female horse (Bernardos sister and Tonys girlfriend) secretly meet with Tony even she knows that it is dangerous for the both of them. Since Tony was ghastlyly in love with mare, he took the risk and courted Maria. However, Maria requested and pleaded her Tony to analyse to occluded front the war between the two groups.Tony, hesitant at first for the difficult request of Maria, agreed to do his best and try to unwrap the fight as soon as possible (Shulman 1961). The West Side Story A grand slam receiver of Academy pillages Having been released by the United Artists in 1961, the West side composition gained praise and at the same time critiques from the viewers and it also achieved the title of the 2nd highest grossing movie in 1961. The West side fable received a total of ten Academy awards and it achieved several nominations and intuitions in the United States. This award winning movie, West Side Story achieved success in depicting the current existing culture of the Americans (both for the White and Latin Americans) during the 1960s.The West side story achieved several honors and Academy awards to wit for the future(a) categories for ruff Picture, viewing Robert Wise is the producer surmount for Supporting Actor played by George Chakiris as Bernardo Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno who portrayed the role of Anita some other Academy award for the films Best Art Direction category considering the aspects of the right choice of set color and design, claimed by Victor Gangelin and Boris Leven Best in Cinematography category good choice and quality for the films color which induces the movies theme, claimed by Daniel Fapp another award of Best in Costume Design for Irene Sharaff Best in Directing for Robert Wise a nd Jerome Robbins Best Academy award in admit Editing for Thomas Stanford Award for the films Original Music Score and of the Musical Picture credited to Johnny Green, Saul Chaplin, Sid Ramin, and Irwin Kostal and last but not the least, the West side story also gained the Academy award Academy for Best Sound as credit to Fred Hynes (Todd-AO SSD) and Gordon Sawyer (Samuel Goldwyn SSD) (Howe 2003). In addition, the West side story achieved further learnings, awards, and nominations were the result of the cooperation of the cast and those working staff behind the scenes.In 1997, the film was promoted by the United States Library of Congress (USLC) as it has been considered as a film that is being culturally significant and it was chosen to be preserved in the collection of the National Film Registry. Similarly, the West side story achieved further awards and recognition as Best in Writing and Screenplay based on material from another medium, as credited to Mr. Ernest Lehman another received award by this film is the Academy Award for Brilliant Achievements in the Art of Choreography on Film credit to and for Jerome Robbins (one of the directors of the West side story). Furthermore, the west side story achieved 1998 American Film Institution Recognition (AFI) as rating number 41 out of 100 movies in the United States.In 2002, it also gained American Film Institution Recognition (AFI) as rated number three in the Passions of the United States for 100 years. The songs used in the West side story also top rated the charts especially for the songs Somewhere (rated number 20 for 100 years), also for the song America (rated number 35 for 100 years), and also including the song, To darkness (rated number 59 for 100 years) consecutively as recorded in 2004 charts. In 2006, it achieved recognition of100 Years of Musicals rating number 2 from AFI and apparently, the West side story achieved the recognition of 100 Years for 100 Movies in its tenth (10th) Anniversary Edi tion rating number 51 from AFI, as put into account in year 2007 (Howe 2003).The Soundtrack used in the West Side Story In order for a great multi-million dollar winning movie to start possible, the choice of songs as background music for the movies soundtrack plays a very important factor in determining the success of the movie. Originally, the West side story was a musical created by Johnny Richards. In 1961, West side story was adapted and recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra as musical collection jazz orchestra utilise Bernstein scores. However the Stan Kenton Orchestras adaptation was viewed and evaluated by the film directors of the West side story, it was the different displacement of musicale from the musicale included in the ongoing film.In fact, upon planing the Stans orchestra jazz version, the directors claim that they should have used Stans version as soundtrack of the film but it was too late and a new and different version was created by the song directors to be used in the West side story. Although The Stan Kentons version was not used as the basis of musicale background of the film, it gained a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Recording of a large group in 1962 (Shulman 196). This is not saying that West side story was free from flaws and considered therefore as perfect, but it was generally agreed by majority that the film was a good and timely musicale reflecting the current cultural norms and values of the Americans in 1960s. In manner of clo thing, perception of power, basis for conflict, the prevalent prejudice and discrimination, and the diverse nature of language, music, and dance steps.The difference between the White and Latin Americans was explicitly described and presented in the portrayal of the main and supporting characters of the movie (RC 2008). Characteristics of the Characters in West side story Described as pertly Yorks classic of the 1960s, West side story was astoundingly studded with magnificent and good starts who sang the songs like Tonight, Maria, I Feel Pretty, America, Officer Krupke, A Place for Us, and I Have Love (citation). Although Maria was criticized for delivering some lines the songs with uncertain accent, the musicale was a success for its overall success in portraying the life and culture of the adolescent, White and Latin Americans in 1960s.The characters of the West side story played a major role in making the film on of the best musicale created in the United States. First and foremost, Rita Moreno (girlfriend of Bernardo) and the one who played the role of Anita, delivered a great portrayal of her character in the movie. Anita, as a Latin American, was a graceful and flexible dancer, and at the same time, was good singer as she sang some songs in the film. Similarly, Russ Tamblyn, who played the role of Rif, was the persuasive leader of the Westside Jets and portrayed his character fairly as well. Having been contend the role of Maria, Natalie Wood portrayed her character as an innocent-looking, young, and a graceful dancer and singer, Maria.The character Maria fell in love with Tony, the member of the Jets gang in the west side. On the other hand, George Chakiris playing the role of Bernardo, as the brother of Maria and leader of the Sharks in the East side, portrayed the role of a discriminated leader of a minority group of the Latino adolescents in Manhattan. Bernardo could be quiet and soft spoken at times but he has the endeavor for aggression to assert himself and represent his group in defending their race against discrimination and prejudice of the white Americans. Most and the rest of the characters exerted their best performance level in portraying their roles for the West side story (UAPI 2009). The Significance and Recommendation of the West side storyThought the West side story was just presented in such a simple way, it successfully addressed the important issues and problems in the society existing long, long time ago at the flack of 1960 s and still exists nowadays. The social issues of family set up of the adolescents (particularly as sung by the Jets), the lack of attention parents and school personnel who should aid the personality ontogenesis of the disturbed adolescents, the racial issues, conflict, discrimination and prejudice existing among culturally-diverse communities, increased the awareness of the viewers (who may be a parent, a policymaker, or district focus counselor) and so, they could devise ways and create programs for the benefit of the currently growing adolescents.Even if the culture describe in the film was during the 1960s it is obvious that discrimination and prejudice is still occurring in some communities in the United States in so doing, this film may serve as a guide for the adolescents and the adults to address and give up solutions to current problems in the society and its membersespecially for the benefit of the adolescents who are in pressing need of guidance, understanding, attenti on, and advice from the adults. In such case, the West side story is must- agnizen (UAPI 2009). Indeed, the West side story is a re- read or a remake and a musical version of the popular novel/movie Romeo and Juliet (citation).It is a musical play with soul-inspiring and enervating song lines sung by the stars of the film. Just like the tragic Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, the West side story ended with a tragic accident of devouring the major characters in the movie namely Bernardo and Tony. Maria was left alone by her two loved ones due to the hatred strengthened between the Jets and the Sharks of Upper West side Manhattan, New York City (RC 2008). Compared between the rival between Montague and Capulet families of Romeo and Juliet, the gangs Jets and Sharks hate could not stand each other as well. And so the gang wars between the two different races began (war existed between the Latin and White Americans in Manhattan, New York).Thus, the creation of the West side story was just in time to support the cinema/ silver entomb in competition with the shows on television popularized during the 1960s (UAPI 2009). The Staff behind the Scenes of the West side story The film version of the West side story was based from the book of Arthur Laurents having the same title. Further, the musicale collection based from the collection of musical scores of Leonard Bernstein. The lyrics of the songs sung by the stars in the West side story were composed by Stephen Sondheim. Moreover, the choreography and the musical concept were contributed of Jerome Robbins. Further, the screenplay was written by Ernest Lehman. Producers of this film were Walter Mirisch, Robert Wise, and Saul Chaplin respectively.The motion-picture photography on the other hand, was powered by the creative mind of Daniel Fapp. Color for the film was also powered by Technicolor and thus, the film itself was taken in Panavision 700. This movie was astoundingly directed two of the greatest director s of the era namely, Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise (UAPI 2009). The Relationship of the West side story to Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet The West side story was indeed a vibrant film which is full of life among the characters. Further the Broadway musicale style of the 1961 film written by Laurents and directed by Robbins was a hit top-notching the charts of the best movies in 1960s in the silver screen.Replicating the tragic, Shakespearean novel, Romeo and Juliet, the West side story has the same characteristics of the play Romeo and Juliet since the lovers in the story, Tony and Maria attempted to risk the danger of having a relationship despite of their difference in their races. Maria was Puerto Rican and Tony was a White American making them members of the two opposite races (UAPI 2009). The two opposing and distinct races and ethnicities, White and Latin Americans were the focus of this movie. In order to present the differences in culture of the White and Latin Americans, th e movie was able to show the attitude of White, European adolescents towards the Latin, Puerto Ricans. Further, the story was presented by producing the story using a ground-breaking, exhilarating musicale with an astounding well-performed choreography by the various outstanding artists.The West side story poses the emerging conflict present among the inhabitants of the Upper West Side Manhattan in New York City during the 1960s. The movie poses the problems of the adolescents in engaging in criminal chain and gang wars which obstructs the peace and order in the connection of Upper West side New York. Moreover, in order to present such existing culture and social problems of the United States in 1960, the entire movie was taken and shot in the streets of Upper West side New York City and in Manhattan. However, some of the parts and scenes in the movie were shot and recorded on the improvised sets and studios prepared by the floor directors (UAPI 2009).In comparison of the West side story in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, The Montague family came to be the counterparts of the White American Jets in the West side story. Similarly, the Capulet family was the counterpart of the Puerto Rican/ Latin American Sharks. Relatively, Bernardos sneakion of Riff in a gang fight (Tonys elder brother), simulates the standardised scenario of the tragic accident of Mercutio (Romeos friend in Romeo and Juliet) being cancel outed by Tybalt, who appears to be Juliets cousin. As a result, Romeo resorted to kill Tybalt as well as a revenge for the death of his friend Mercutio. Apparently, the same related scenario of revenge in a fight simulates the scene where Tony abducted Bernardo after stabbing Tonys elder brother, Riff.Furthermore several characters in the west side story have their counterpart or equivalent characters that portrayed similar roles in Romeo and Juliet and these are the following Anita in the West side story portraying the Nurse (Juliets confidante in Romeo a nd Juliet) and Doc in the West side story portraying the role of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet novel. But it is to put into account that the tragic suicide of Romeo and Juliet at the end of the story was not the same with the ending of the West side story since Maria, after the death of her beloved Tony, did not kill herself but she just furiously pointed the blame to the pointless, mad proneness of the Shark and Jets gang (citation). Critiques argue for the West side story that the movie was a similar recreation of other classic hit musicales like the itinerant and the Dolls. However it was interpreted that way by critiques and viewers,The West side story is considered as one of the Americas masterpiece output signal in the world(prenominal) silver screen. The West side story was a hit for it was a divergence from the current popular culture of movies in the 1960s. The unique musicale of the West side story discussed social problems in the United States gang wars, racial d iscrimination, juvenile delinquencies and family problems through the songs sung by the adolescents, Jets in the entire movie (Zoglin 2009). Salient points to consider and some important scenarios in the West side story Focusing on Maria and Tonys love affair, they seem to risk what danger could hand the moment the other members of the Sharks and Jets the get to know the proscribe relationship of Maria and Tony.When the lovers hear the arrival of Anita (Bernardos girlfriend) Tony pronto escaped his way out of the hearthstone and he said Maria that they should meet at the drug store owned by Doc to elope and get married. However, Anita accidentally caught the presence of Tony quickly escaping the house. Anita was ball over and reacted negatively at first but she listened when Maria explained how she loved Tony so much. Inspite of Anitas grievance over Bernardos death she resorts to help Maria arrange their plan of eloping and getting married. Moreover, Anita gave Maria a hint th at Chino of the Sharks is after Tony to kill him with a pistol (Zoglin 2009). As the officer, Lt. Schrank arrived at Marias house he questioned Maria for the riot/gang wars that recently occurred between the Sharks and the Jets. Maria was careful enough for covering up Tony in order to protect him from the further questioning and investigation of the officer. Maria lured the Lt. Schrank by sending Anita as an errand to Docs drugstore to buy a medicine to relieve the pain she is looking in her head. Such action of Anita was for the purpose of delivering a depicted object to Tony at the drugstore that Maria could not come and meet her for Maria was held as a detainee a under investigation of Lt. Schrank. However, upon entering the drugstore, Anita did not expect that she was going to be mocked by the White American, Jets.Not only this, the Jets tried to chivvy her as an insult to her being a Puerto Rican. Maria was disrespected by the rest of the Jets not giving her a chance to de liver Marias message for Tony. In so doing, the circumstance really made Anita really furious. Consequentially, Anita distorted the real message that she has to deliver (that Maria was detained due to Lt. Schranks queries) and she imparted that her message was to tell Tony that Maria was shot dead by Chino with a gun. The chaos was stopped by Doc as he yelled to them inside the drugstore and also, for the Jets to stop harassing and making fun of the Puerto Rican lady, Anita. The jets stopped and listen to the old man (Doc).However, Doc went down to the basement and checked out the hiding Tony. Further, he relayed Anitas untrue, insalubrious news to Tony that Maria was shot dead by Chino. So, Tony abruptly ran his way up and out of the drugstores basement and then he searched for Chino with bleakness and hopelessness and how hed wish that Chino would kill him as well (Zoglin 2009). While searching for Chino, Tony saw Maria on the road. The lovers were so happy to see each other aga in especially Tony when he thought that his beloved Maria was already dead. Suddenly, Chino appeared in the scene and shoot Tony. Maria was so startled as her lover fell on his knees and landed on Marias arms.Maria, trying to comfort her dying lover sang a song for him so that he will not be afraid. The lovers affirmed that if their love was not possible here, they should continue their love somewhere place as they should see each other again in their next life and in the other world. The White Jets and the Puerto Ricans Sharks ran towards the death scene together with the cops (including Officer Krupke in the scene). Maria was infuriated with the mere presence of officer Krupke and she yelled at him not to even dare to come closer the dead body of his beloved Tony. Maria took the gun from the suspect Chino and there she pointed the gun ate everyone the Sharks and the Jets.She blamed that the death of Riff, Bernardo, and Tony was the fault of the both gangs and the result to all the ir selfish hatred. So for the reason that Officer Krupke was hindered by Maria to get even closer to Tony, some of the members of the Jets and Sharks took the initiative in carrying Tonys corpse. After the tragic killings of the leaders of the Jets and Sharks in the streets of Manhattan, New York, the gang war between the two gangs was considered over (Zoglin 2009). Realism was shown and achieved in the West side story since the songs used in the entire movie were a form of English and Spanish songs. In order to reflect the underlying multicultural theme of the story, the songs were carefully selected and very well performed by the actors/singers.Together jam-packed with a set of dance steps, pirouette, leaps in its choreography, the overall mood of the movie was an exciting one (citation). The West side story was indeed a must-seen movie since it is very full-blooded and culturally significant. In order for battalion to understand the nature of conflict in different groups, and the reason for discrimination and prejudice, the West side story successfully presented the conflicts occurring among the adolescents resulting to their behavior problems and maladjustment in the society. In the form of musicale of songs and dances, the message of the film was carried out through the innovative and creative performances of the carefully-selected artists of the film (Zoglin 2009).Modified by Ernest Lehman, the rewrite version of the West side story had remained a striking and filled with energetic and enthusiastic songs reflected from its lyrics. Furthermore, the book version of the West side story play was containing songs which are mostly composed by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. The talented directors of the West side story are Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Considering Robert Wises expertise I the field of directing, the quislingism with the professional dance choreographer, Jerome Robbins was a very intelligent decision and resulted to make the movie a real big hit in the silver screen (Zoglin 2009).Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins respectively gained recognition for the West side story. However, Jerome Robbins was pulled out of the West side story project since he was frequently the reason for procrastination of the shoots, budget-exceeding production rates, and also, Robbins frequent disagreement with Wise was a reason for the rest of the staff to remove him from the direction of the West side story. Robbins ideals for the completion of the West side story were becoming overwhelmingly expensive just for his wish to make the movie close to perfection. Four of the dynamic dance steps which Robbins choreographed in the West side story were the following Somethings coming, Prologue, Cool, and America. The West side story is also focused on the love story of two different people having different races. However love was the foundation, Tony and Maria were separated due to hatred and violence. Tony was Marias first love. She loved the man inspite of the fact that they were belonging in different race and that her brother and their group of minority Puerto Rican gang (Sharks) not in good terms with the White American gang (Jets). When Maria first set her eyes with Tony, she fall (right then and there) madly in love with Tony and vice versa these first encounter of Maria and Tony happened during the dance showdown between the prank and the Sharks.Tonys on the other hand, who was previously preoccupied with the activities with his gang in the West side has diverted his attention to Maria when he fell in love with her. However, considering the obvious fact that Marias brother, Bernardo was a leader of the Sharks and his prospect lover Tony was member of the opponent Jets, Maria still persists to pursue her forbidden and controversial love affair with Tony. Maria knows that Bernardo would never approve of her love affair with Tony for Bernardo knows how cruel, prejudicial, and discriminating the White American race w as. Meanwhile, Jets Sharks just would not stop claiming right over the west side streets of New York for their gangs territory.At first, the Sharks could be observed that they do not have any objective of keeping the streets to their own, but the Jets just would not stop bullying and discriminating, and driving them away wherever they see them. The Sharks think, especially Bernardo (as their leader) that this was too much and they believe they deserve a right to whatever the White Americans enjoy doing and hanging around. So what the Sharks did is to engage in a fight with the Jets most of the time to defend themselves from the partial dominance of the Jets. Consequentially, the rival lead to a fight between the Jets and the Sharks and this caused the death of Riff, Bernardo, and Tony as well (Zoglin 2009). Maria requested Tony if he could no something to stop the mad fight between the two gangs.At first, Tony hesitated to give in to Maris request but because he loves her so much and he would love to tie her, he agreed with Maria and he said he would do everything he can to stop the war between the two gangs. The sad thing is, Tony did not expect that his brother Riff was going to be killed in the gang war. So, to avenge the sudden death of his brother in Bernardos hands, Tony resorts to abduct Bernardo as well due to the sudden rage of his emotions (Zoglin 2009). The 1960s showed a great importance to the subculture created by adolescent Americans. Although the Americans are a culture in itself, it has different influence of subcultures branching out and one example of this subculture is the Puerto Ricans.The multicultural society of the gangs among the adolescent White Americans and Puerto Ricans in the New York, West side community was emerged during the 1960s where gang wars chain gangs had become eminent and widely spread in the local news (Zoglin 2009). The West side story was indeed an enticing film by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. Similar to the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, the west side story successfully addressed the social problem of juvenile delinquency and discrimination in the multicultural society of the United States during the 1950s to 1960s. Relatively, the love story of Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer) is similar to the love story of Romeo and Juliet that the lovers crossed boundaries despite their difference in ethnicity, race, and culture. This shows that the heart does not choose the one to love.For Tony, It does not matter if Maria is a Puerto Rican, discriminated and a member of their enemy, Sharks. Same for Maria she does not care if Tony is a white American, a mocker, discriminating, and a member of the Jets gang which is the opponent of Marias brother, Bernardo. The west side story was able to accomplish a creative, upbeat, and animated choreography of dance steps and overwhelming lyrics of the songs sang by the characters in the West side story (Zoglin 2009). This invigorating and el ating film is dazzling with the combination of songs and dance steps interpreting the lifestyle and culture of adolescent Americans in the United States during the 1960s.It was plausible to the extent that the prevalent gang wars among the diverging culture of the Puerto Ricans against the White Americans was portrayed in such a way that it seems less violent and therefore, there was no violent bloodshed in the movie. However, there was no need for blood-shedding, serious fight in the entire film in order to present how serious the outcome would be for engaging in gang wars of the New York streets (Zoglin 2009). Officer Shrank warned both the Jets and the Sharks to avoid fighting on his streets or else, Officer Shrank threatened the boys that he would beat the boys up. After the encounter with Officer Schrank and Officer Krupke, Riff led his group to sing a song which is praise for the Jets.The Jets despise the Sharks for they were a threat to the streets in which the Jets wants to own. He persuaded the rest of his Jets members to perceive that their gang is the most strenuous, invincible, and superior team and that they deserve the right to everything especially in the streets of the Upper West side New York. Riff was very anxious to control the public exposure volume of the Sharks since it was a tendency that the Sharks might hulk the streets of New York, should the latter multiply its members. In so doing, Riff persuaded his gang mates that they should fight against the Sharks/Puerto Ricans and kill them if they have to so as to control their proliferation in the streets.The one who should win the fight would be declared as the winner and therefore, would have the right to dominate in the Manhattan streets of New York. Moreover, Riff resorts to fighting their rival gang, Sharks with deadly weapon like a dagger for instance (Zoglin 2009). Overall, the story shows that there is both a similarity and difference in the culture of the Puerto Ricans and the Whi te Americans. Though they are different in race, color, and ethnicity, both races was shown to have the same interests like in dancing, singing, basketball, and favourite(a) hang-outs. Because of such similarity and interests, the White American Jets, led by Riff was pissed off upon always seeing the Puerto American Sharks wherever they go and overleap their time.Further, it was explicitly shown that the Jets are more confident than the Puerto Ricans since they are the majority of inhabitants or citizens in New York during the 1960s (Zoglin 2009). From a challenge to a dance night out with the Sharks, the Jets just would not stop pissing the Sharks and driving their rivals away so that the Sharks would not be a threat to their desire of keeping their imprimatur and ownership of the streets of New York west side. But what happened in the dance was overlapped with the instance when Maria and Tony saw each other and locked each others eyes for long time as if they are not seeing any body but the two of them. Bernardo caught the both of them in the act that is why he did not decide to finish the dance hence, he took his sisters hands and pulled her off the dance floor (citation).Because of pride, the Jets boosted their egos by singing themselves song of somewhat victorious lyrical songs as if they were the superior race and the others are just second class. Riff (the current leader of the Jets) decided that Tony should be the one to coordinate the challenge of the Jets to the Sharks. At first, Tony was hesitant to give in to the request. However later on, Tony agreed to tell the message to the Sharks. For the reason that Tony was once the leader of the gang since Tony was also a mind in co-founding the group of White Americans. On the other hand, Maria was conversing with Anita at a bridal shop where Maria is working.Maria told Anita (Bernardos boyfriend), how much Maria loves Tony and that she explained to Anita that his brother Bernardo, should not be that t oo much, extreme protective of her (Zoglin 2009). Inspite of the distinct difference of the Puerto Ricans from the White Americans, the two divert gangs were shown to be enjoying themselves using their talents in dancing and singing which makes them similar in their interests. The gang members Sharks and Jets may have experienced conflict between their groups because of their overt difference. The majorities of the White Americans dislike the minorities of Puerto Ricans because the Whites believe and perceive that they are the strongest race, invincible, and therefore, they should walk tall and act like kingsFor the Jets they should own, rule, and dominate the streets and they should have the right to the territory no matter what it takes (Dirks 1961). Conclusion The West Side Story highlights the following scenarios which had occurred in the 1960s During the 1960s, juvenile delinquencies are rampant among adolescents. Similarly, there is also prevalence of discrimination and prejud ice among the White and Latin Americans. Puerto Ricans are disliked and bullied by the White Americans upon thinking that the White Americans are the superior race that should own the streets and that the Latin Americans, specifically the Puerto Ricans, have no right to be in places where the White American adolescents hang out and play. In so doing there were chain gang fights are everywhere.Emerging in late 1950s and early 1960s, the streets of Manhattan had become a place where there is no peace and order due to the frequent gang wars that occur between the two distinct races of the Whites and the Puerto Rican adolescents. However, the love story of Maria and Tony having the opposite race shows that love does not choose the color, race, and ethnicity of a person as a basis of whom it should love.Works CitedBrian, Paul. 28 November 2005. Leonard Bernstein West Side Story. 29 April 2009 . Dirks, Tim. 1961. West Side Story. American Movie Classics Company LLC. 29 April 2009 . Howe, Matt. 03 April 2003. West Side Story Impresses. 29 April 2009 . Shulman, Irving. A Novelation by Irving Shulman West Side Story. New York Simon & Schister Inc, 1961. West Side Story (1961). 16 December 2008. Reel Classics, L. L. C. 29 April 2009 . West Side Story. 1961. United Artists Pictures, Inc. 29 April 2009 . Zoglin, Richard. 25 March 2009. Is West Side Story Overrated? 29 April 2009 .