West Side Story

The screen achieves one of the great entertainments in the history of motion pictures.

In the slums of the upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, a gang of Polish-American teenagers called the Jets compete with a rival gang of recently immigrated Puerto Ricans, the Sharks, to “own” the neighborhood streets. Tensions are high between the gangs but two kids, one from each rival gang, fall in love leading to tragedy.

Recommended by 4 People

“"I love that the sets are so realistic, and there is such a striving for this realism, even though they're dancing and singing. Once again, this kind realism mixed with the fantastical is something I'm just very attracted to, and has definitely been a big influence."”

Darren Aronofsky

Director, Producer, Writer

“"It was such a seminal moment for me," DuVernay said about 'West Side Story,' which helped inspire her to pursue filmmaking.”

Ava DuVernay

Director, Writer

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Steven Spielberg

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