Is West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic (2016), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "As the world prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of West Side Story in 2017, dancer Bruno Tonioli and broadcaster Suzy Klein go in search of the true stories behind the inception of this classic show. For the first time on television, they hear first-hand from those involved in the show when it opened on Broadway in September 1957, including Sondheim himself, producer Hal Prince and original cast members from both show and movie, including Chita Rivera Carol Lawrence and Rita Moreno. With the BBC Symphony Orchestra and specially cast singers, we re-live some of the wonderful music and, in the company of Suzy and Bruno, we discover how West Side Story placed the 1950s phenomena of racial tension and teenage gangs centre stage to create a hit that changed musical theatre forever."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Bruno Tonioli shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2016, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 60 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.