What’s the moral of West Side Story?

A major theme of the film is racial prejudice. The Sharks face a great deal of racism and bigotry as non-white New Yorkers in the neighborhood.

What is the moral of West Side Story?

While the story revolves around Tony and Maria and two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, the underlying themes dig deep into social issues that still resonate today. … “They’re trapped in this world; in these cities, in these gangs – in this hate and discrimination and racism – and all that binds into one.”

How old is Maria in West Side Story?

According to IMDb, “both Natalie Wood, (who played Maria,) and Richard Beymer, (who played Tony,) were 23 at the time of the filming.” Because this musical is based on Romeo and Juliet, and Juliet is around 14-years-old in the original play, some suspect the West Side Story characters would, presumably, be teenagers, …

Does Maria die in West Side Story?

Anita, angry about her treatment by the Jets, gets a phony message to Tony saying that Maria was killed. A grief-stricken Tony tells Chino to kill him too, and Chino obliges. … Juliet wakes up to see him dead, and joins him for real this time. Maria, however, survives.

Is West Side Story kid friendly?

The show is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Is West Side Story still relevant?

It demonstrates and confronts, head on, the hate that stems from fear, and how it so easily destroys the things we love. All these years later, the story still resonates and is relevant to the world in which we live; a world where fear can lead to conflict, and so many times love is the victim.

Who did their own singing in West Side Story?

Marni Nixon, the Singing Voice Behind the Screen, Dies at 86. Marni Nixon did the singing for, from left, Deborah Kerr in “The King and I,” Natalie Wood in “West Side Story” and Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady.”

Did Tony and Maria sleep together?

Even though Maria and Tony sleep together, their relationship is constantly surrounded by dreamy words of love, commitment and wedding imagery. … Later, in “A Boy Like That,” Anita warns Maria to stay away from him as he “wants one thing only” and “he’ll kill her love”, like he murdered hers.

Is Maria Puerto Rican in West Side Story?

Maria and Bernardo are Puerto Rican, but Natalie Wood and George Chakiris, the actors who played them, are not Latinx. Both actors put on broad accents to seem more authentic, which just made the whole thing worse.

What happens to Maria and Tony?

Maria finally arrives at the playground, and Tony runs to her in delight, but right before they reach each other’s arms, Chino emerges from the shadows and shoots Tony. All of the Jets and Sharks arrive at the playground as Tony dies in Maria’s arms.

How did Maria Tony die?

Tony dies in Maria’s arms. Maria, now a widow, declares that all the Sharks and the Jets are both responsible for all the deaths because of their hate. The Jets and Sharks at least temporarily put their feud behind them and carry Tony’s body off together.

Is West Side Story appropriate for 12 year olds?

West Side Story is suitable for a PG audience and contains no profanities. As a guide to parents and guardians, it is recommended for ages 13+. There are a few scenes I know my 11 year old would cover her eyes for (at this age she is horrified by seeing people kiss each other), or would not completely grasp.

Did they curse in West Side Story?

Profanity (4)

Most profanity is racial, and is used through some parts, such as “white boy”, “spic”, “Polack”, etc. Mild swear words like “damn” and “hell”. There is one use of tramp near the end of the film.

Is Tony from West Side Story Polish?

The Jewish girl – who eventually became the Puerto Rican Maria in West Side Story – was a holocaust survivor who had immigrated from Israel. The character that eventually became Tony – the Polish-Irish Catholic boy in West Side Story – was an Irish Catholic.

Why is West Side Story Good?

Arguably, its greatest influence was in the theatricality of its presentation—the seamlessness and cinematic flow of its staging—and the integration of script, song, dance, and set. In its original Broadway run, West Side Story ran for 732 performances—a success, but not a smash hit.

What is good about West Side Story?

“West Side Story” was the kind of musical people thought was good for them, a pious expression of admirable but unrealistic liberal sentiments, and certainly its street gangs at war — one Puerto Rican, one the descendants of European immigrants — seem touchingly innocent compared to contemporary reality.

Is Natalie Wood Hispanic?

Born in San Francisco to Russian immigrant parents, Wood began her acting career at age 4 and was given a co-starring role at age 8 in Miracle on 34th Street (1947).

Did Natalie Wood do her own singing in West Side Story?

West Side Story’: Natalie Wood Had No Idea Her Singing Would Be Dubbed Over. West Side Story continues to be a popular musical movie, with fantastic singing and dancing. … While Wood does her own dancing in the film, she didn’t do her own singing.

Why was Jerome Robbins fired from West Side Story?

Had 2020 gone as originally planned, the remake of West Side Story directed by Steven Spielberg would have been hitting theaters in just a few weeks. … Among many other problems, legendary director and choreographer Jerome Robbins was fired from directing the film after his reputation as a taskmaster proved overbearing.

Is Tony a Jet or Shark?

The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang’s leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.

Is Rita Moreno Puerto Rican?

Rita Moreno, in full Rosita Dolores Alverio, (born December 11, 1931, Humacao, Puerto Rico), Puerto Rican-born American actress, dancer, and singer who accomplished the rare feat of winning the four major North American entertainment awards (EGOT): Emmy (1977, 1978), Grammy (1972), Oscar (1962), and Tony (1975).

What race is Maria in West Side Story?

The Jewish girl – who eventually became the Puerto Rican Maria in West Side Story – was a holocaust survivor who had immigrated from Israel. The character that eventually became Tony – the Polish-Irish Catholic boy in West Side Story – was an Irish Catholic.

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Authors: 4 – Editors: 14 – Last Updated: 58 days ago – References : 33