West Side Story Movie (video)

Meema library

West Side Story was an acclaimed and popular Broadway musical in 1959 and then Hollywood film in 1961.  Based on the story of Romeo and Juliette, it is the story of an ill-fated and impossible love between Tony and Maria whose families and communities are at war with each other.

The conflict in this story is encapsulated in this song, an argument between Maria and her best friend, Anita.  Maria had fallen in love with Tony, a boy from the rival gang.  Maria's brother, Bernardo, was also Anita's boyfriend.

Story usage

Let the story help you recall the overall story of Maria and Tony.  How does it make you feel?  How would you feel if you lost your brother in a knife fight?  What if he was killed by your boyfriend?  

And then, what if your brothers girlfriend was also your best friend?  Would you feel afraid?  Or maybe responsible in part for his death?  Would you feel guilty?  Shame?  Or just love and deep sadness.

What do you notice?  About the singing.  Could you hear the sorrow and love in Maria's part?

In the beginning, Anita and Maria are fighting as they sing.  Can you hear the conflict?  Do you identify with Maria or Anita?  Should Maria "stick to her own kind," or not?

Thumbnail
Image
Meema id
26e8a2fb-3e46-4c72-a8a3-665f7596c8f5
Full path name
meema-sq/film/film-wss/film-wss-poster.jpg
Title full
Meema story to help forge more meaningful connections
Title label
story
Meema id
cd077dfd-7cd1-4eee-8438-701ede8bc2a2
NL description
video from West Side Story
video from the movie West Side Story
video of A Boy Like That
video of West Side Story A Boy Like That
video of A Boy Like That from West Side Story
Category
Story list
Related story name
West Side Story
West Side Story Documentary (video)
Miracle of Miracles (video)