written by The quality of mercy is not strained on 28/02/2008
Good Points
The main problems are
a) The racism between the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks
b) The fact that Tony and Maria can't be together because of the intense rivalry of the gangs
Bad Points
In one part of the movie, the racial slurs "Polack" and "Spic" are used without being denounced as bad. It only slightly detracts from the overall movie, but it's still worth talking to your kids about to remove any risk of them repeating these words.
General Comments
This movie is a classic for the ages. In this musical that originally appeared on Broadway in November of 1957, the plot of Romeo and Juliet is retold. Maria (played by Natalie Wood with all the singing parts done by Marni Nixon) has been in the country for one month and is looking forward to the neighborhood dance. At the dance, Maria meets Tony (played by Richard Bymer with all the singing parts done by Jim Bryant) and it's love at first sight. With the help of Doc they find a way to be together away from the conflict of the Sharks and Jets, but will it work?