Favorite Scenes

Again, due to my intense love for the film West Side Story, it's tough for me to pick out any actual favorite scenes in this great classic, but there are certain scenes that stand out (for me, anyhow), and are sort of pillars for this film.

I really like the opening scenes/Prologue a great deal, with the birds' eye view of Manhattan's West Side, moving in gradually to zero in on the finger-snapping Jets on the playground.

The Dance at the Gym and America were also great scenes, as was the Cool scene, all of which reveal the dancing at its fullest, and how expressive the actors/actresses in the film West Side Story really are.

The scenes where Anybodys attempts to get accepted as an equal by the Jets gang, and finally does, by asserting herself.

The scene where Tony and Maria have their mock wedding at the Bridal Shop. That was sort of heartwarming.

The I Feel Pretty scene, where Maria's girlfriends, Rosalie and her other co-worker, make fun of her, for acting so vain.

I enjoyed the playground skirmishes between the Jets and Sharks, where they're all dancing, jumping and chasing each other, in the Prologue.

Likewise, the pre-Rumble Ensemble, where the Jets and Sharks assemble on separates sides of the tenement rooftop, in a bright-orange sunset backdrop, as well as their determination to "stop them once and for all" on both sides.

I like the scene where Maria's waiting on the rooftop for Tony's arrival, before she learns of Bernardo's death at the hands of Tony, not caring about anything else until she learns that Tony has knifed Bernardo to death.

I admittedly liked the Rumble itself, as well as the scene where the Jets and their girls gather together, and Ice, who's the most coolheaded among the Jets, ultimately takes over the Jet gang leadership after Riff's death at the Rumble.

Anybodys, who runs up to the Jets and the girls (who first dismiss her as a freak) with "Ahhh..what's the freak know?"), tells them she's been spying around, and has heard something about Tony and Bernardo's sister, and about how Chino is gunning for Tony. When Ice assigns everybody to spread out in different places, but seems to leave out Anybodys, she asks "Hey! What about me?"

Ice: "You! In and out of the shadows. Maybe You'll find Tony in one of them.

Anybodys: "Right, Daddy-o!"

The scene where Anybodys finds Tony, warns him about Chino, and sends him over to Doc's to hide out in his basement.

I also like the following scene, and the interaction between Ice and Anybodys:

Ice: (to Anybodys): Hey! Ya done good, buddy-boy!"

Anybodys: (getting all dreamy-eyed): "Thanks Daddy-o!"


I like the scene where Doc comes in, sees what the Jets have attempted to do to Anita, who's come to the Candy Store to help protect Tony from Chino by warning him that Chino's gunning for him, chews the Jets and Anybodys out, and throws them out of the Candy Store.

The end, where there's a hint of reconciliation between the Jets and Sharks as several guys from both gangs come together and carry Tony's body off after he was shot by Chino.

Pretty much all of the dancing scenes.

Such a great movie, it's hard to pick a favorite scene, but I'll try to narrow it down. I would have to say first, the wedding in the bridal shop. Not only is it sweet and beautiful, I remember seeing it recreated in the wax museum where I used to live. I would stare at it for long periods of time. Yeah, that one gives me the serious gooseies! Second, would be Tony and Maria after the fight for "There's a Place For Us". Such emotion in that scene, I believe every moment! And lastly, oddly enough, I love the end credits. Yep. Weird, I know. But I love seeing the writing on the walls, the various graffiti and the "End" sign. The music is chill-inducing and gets me every time.

"Good times, noodle salad"

The point about Maria not having a care in the world as she dances around the rooftop waiting for Tony's arrival, Chino's arrival to announce that Tony has killed her brother, and Maria's dreams of great love come crashing down to earth is an example of many ideals, both good and not so good, of young people, that produce exuberance, followed by a harsh pull-up back to reality, are also what makes West Side Story so dynamic, on both screen and stage.

I love love love the Gee Officer Krupke song! The acting and set-up of that scene is so amazing and fun, whilst delivering quite a serious message about teenage youths which is still applicable to today's generation. I watch that scene repeatedly whenever I can just because it's so much fun! And I love how you see all of the Jets' personalities. When I first watched the film, I didn't really care much for the Jets up until that point, and it made me love Riff (who before I thought was just arrogant and annoying with the exception of his scenes with Tony).
I also LOVE America because the dancing is so astounding, and the acting between Anita and Bernardo is wonderful. You can just tell they're so in love, and I especially like the fact that it's demonstrating a real political and economic issue, dealing with racism in America. It was also this scene (and song) that introduced WSS to me in the first place so I feel very nostalgic when it comes on.
It is just beautiful to watch and the dynamics of both scenes are SO clever!! Whoever came up with the direction of them deserves a pat on the back! By far, my favourites!