The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

West Side Story is the most overrated movie in history. It's cheesy, unromantic and messy. There are several stories and only one is interesting. The characters are poorly developed and rather annoying. Yes, this movie is well directed and grand, but that's it. The movie is long, boring and uninteresting. I was begging for the movie to end.

This is an appealing musical about the feuding New York gangs of the Jets and the Sharks. While battling who gets to take charge of the streets, the gang members all happen to attend the same dance event one night. There, Tony (Richard Beymer) meets Maria (Natalie Wood) and falls in love. However, their relationship are complicated by their sides' continuing feud.The actors' singing were splendidly done and the New York working class setting gives off just the right mood in the film.The movie was fast-paced and suspenseful. From the gangs' riff to Tony and Maria's forbidden love, both plot points blend in well in the film. The movie also touches the sensitivity of prejudice and race, but in a way that is suitable for a general audience. A powerful message and lesson are sent in the film as well.Many popular and classic songs are heard, from the "Jet Song" to "America" and from "Tonight" to "I Feel Pretty." A show-stopping music score by Leonard Bernstein and unforgettable dance numbers. Have to give a mention to Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, as they were both really charming and stunning in the film.Definitely one of the most iconic films in pop culture history.Grade B+

There is certainly tough competition when trying to decide the best musical of all time but I believe West Side Story is the clear winner. The acting is first rate and the locations gritty and realistic so you get the feel of what it is like to be a poor immigrant in New York. Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno are outstanding as the beautiful innocent Maria and the alluring more worldly wise Anita. Above all, Bernstein's music is breathtaking and unique, sweeping from gangster slang through lively Hispanic dances to luminous love songs. Unlike many musicals, it always feels real and grounded which makes the tragic ending all the more moving.

Come on, really. Who in the world would not like West Side Story. The greatest movie musical of ALL TIME. Unless you're a teenager, you must at least seen or heard about WSS sometime in your life. I'm 55 and I've been watching this since I was a kid. Was on TCM just last night and watched the whole thing.. no commercials...2 1/2 hrs. Yea, its that good. Tony and Maria? cmon... watching them look and sing to each other will make you fall in love again, unless you have no heart. Bernardo and Anita? They chew it up in each and every scene. Even if u seen this a million times, watch it again.... just because... and play it COOOL BOYYY