The story itself is great and the acting superb, but what really makes this movie worthwhile are the snappy songs and phenomenally choreographed dance numbers. No one could resist tapping their feet along to the upbeat, exciting "Mambo," the hilarious and catchy "America," or the terrifically entertaining "Cool" (and who could forget "Gee, Officer Krupke"?). The only thing that gets a bit tedious are the love songs--I get a little tired of seeing Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) confess their undying love with sappy songs (though "Tonight" is a gem).

The performances are absolutely outstanding--Richard Beymer's Tony was great, Natalie Wood's Maria was extraordinary, particularly near the end, and George Chakiris's Bernardo was cool, calm, and collected (but also despicable at times). The real standout, however, was Rita Moreno's Anita, energetic and jazzy throughout the whole film.

See this movie--if not for the acting or storyline, then for the songs and dances. The best musical I have ever seen, no questions asked.

Now...MAMBO! ;)

In the style of "Romeo & Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the movie is the story of two star-crossed lovers whose romantic fate ends in tragedy. Maria (Natalie Wood) is a beautiful Puerto Rican girl whose older brother is the leader of a Puerto Rican street gang called the Sharks. Tony (Richard Beymer) is Caucasian, and a member of a rival street gang called the Jets. Just as in Shakespeare's play, the two meet at a dance and instantly fall in love. Because of their loyalties to opposite gangs, they try and keep their romance discreet and must meet to see each other in secret places. There's a very cute and touching scene where they meet up in the clothing store where Maria works, and they pretend to get married. For inconsequential reasons I cannot remember, the rival gangs decide to organize a fight against each other. Not wanting her brother or Tony to get harmed, Maria begs Tony to try and stop the fight. Instead of stopping the fight, Tony ends up killing Maria's brother. Tony runs to Maria to console her and be consoled at the same time, but both the police and the rest of the Sharks are looking to hunt him down.

It needs to be mentioned that this isn't just a movie, but a musical. There are several catchy songs in this picture, many of which have subsequently been referenced in TV shows, commercials, music, and other genres of pop culture. There is also an incredible amount of choreography from beginning to end. Even the fight scenes are choreographed to resemble ballet dances.

This movie also makes a powerful statement on a number of issues including love, brotherhood, loyalty, and poverty. Though it was in 1961, it still delivers a timely message that applies to the present.

It goes without saying that this movie is a must-see, and a definite necessity for any true movie lover's personal collection.