West Side Story: Rebel Without A Cause

West Side Story, Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, is a classic romantic, modern day Romeo & Juliet story. The teeming teenagers from Manhattan's upper west are filled with racial tensions which later erupt into a rival between the teenage members of two gangs. Maria is newly arrived to the violence that surrounds her brothers life Bernardo, who’s the leader of a gang called the “Sharks.” Although Bernardo’s girlfriend, Anita, countlessly warned Maria to not fall in love with Tony, who is a member of their enemy gang called the Jets, Anita feels this instant connection with Tony as soon as they meet at a dance. Tony and Maria began meeting in secret and planned to run away together, until then two opposing gangs planned a rumble …show more content…
It provided a good look at the world of the conformist mid-1950s from the perspective of the main character who was a teen. The film was most remembered for being the film that best represented the talent of the young star, James Dean. “Rebel Without a Cause started a trend in Hollywood that still continues to this day. It functioned as answer and response to all of the questions and criticisms that were looming. It was the first film to really stand up for the teenagers and tell their side of the story. It was marked for criticizing parenting styles and addressing the rocky relationship between the generations,” (Vernick, 5). I feel like this film should definitely be on the Top 100 Classic Movies list because unlike other movies that makes teenagers seem like monsters who always gets themselves into bad situations, Rebel Without a Cause conveys a different thought which gives teenagers a chance to portray themselves and for once makes society and the parents seem like the bad guys. It speaks to teenagers on a whole other level and shows us the negativity that surrounds the American society. The dialogue, tone, and the main theme of the movie was excellently written and produced which gave emphasis on the