MovieChat Forums > West Side Story (1961) Discussion > Inspired by

Inspired by

posted 8 years ago by hour100
4 replies | jump to latest

Inspired by William Shakespears,Romeo and Juliet.

Politicians are like Nappies. They should both be changed frequently
and for the same reason."

[–] greenbudgie 7 years ago

I think that this must be the best modernisation of a Shakespeare work on screen. It really did make the 'Romeo and Juliet' story so accessible.

[–] mplo (2305) 6 years ago

You've made a good point, greenbudgie. West Side Story is really a fleshed-out version of Romeo & Juliet, as well.

[–] mplo (2305) 7 years ago

Yes, West Side Story is based on Romeo & Juliet, and many people claim that it's actually a modern-day or hip version of Romeo & Juliet.

Given the number of differences between West Side Story and Romeo & Juliet, however, I wouldn't go so far as to say that West Side Story is a hip or modern-day version of Romeo & Juliet at all, even though it's based on R & M.

[–] mplo (2305) 7 years ago

West Side Story, as a musical overall, was also inspired by the fact that there was a great deal of conflict between the Puerto Ricans and the White European ethnic americans here in the continental United States, as well as the Zoot suit riots that also occurred in the 1950's, or so.