Prime VideoWest Side Story (1961)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 8.2
Overview
In the slums of the upper West Side of Manhattan, tensions are high as a gang of Polish-Americans compete against a gang of recently immigrated Puerto Ricans, but this doesn't stop two romantics from each gang falling in love.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Prime Video
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Positive
Overview
In the slums of the upper West Side of Manhattan, tensions are high as a gang of Polish-Americans compete against a gang of recently immigrated Puerto Ricans, but this doesn't stop two romantics from each gang falling in love.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Prime VideoApple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film's central thesis is a powerful condemnation of ethnic prejudice and a plea for tolerance and understanding, aligning with progressive social justice values.
West Side Story prominently features a central conflict driven by ethnic and racial tensions, showcasing Puerto Rican characters and their experiences. The narrative explicitly critiques the prejudice and actions of the white gang and authority figures, making the themes of racism and xenophobia central to its tragic story.
Secondary
The 1961 film cast white actors, such as Natalie Wood as Maria and George Chakiris as Bernardo, in lead roles that were canonically Puerto Rican in the original Broadway musical.
The film portrays the Puerto Rican characters, who are predominantly Catholic, with sympathy and nuance. While not a theological exploration, their faith is an integral part of their cultural identity, and the narrative strongly condemns the prejudice and violence they face, thereby affirming the dignity of their community and its cultural components, including their religious background.
The 1961 film "West Side Story" does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Its narrative focuses on heterosexual romance, gang rivalry, and racial prejudice, with no explicit or implicit queer representation within its storyline or character arcs.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The 1961 film adaptation of "West Side Story" maintains the established genders of all its major characters from the original 1957 Broadway musical. No characters canonically established as one gender in the source material are portrayed as a different gender in this film.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
8.2
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
7.6
7.2
Critic Ratings
9.2
8.6
More Like This
Leans Progressive
6.7
I Love You Phillip Morris
(2010)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.9
West Side Story
(2021)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
6.8
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
(2002)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.5
Mississippi Masala
(1991)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.3
Monster's Ball
(2001)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
6.9
The Longest Yard
(1974)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
8.2
Brokeback Mountain
(2005)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.6
Torch Song Trilogy
(1988)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.5
Children of a Lesser God
(1986)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
8.9
Some Like It Hot
(1959)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
8.8
The Shawshank Redemption
(1994)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Negative
Leans Progressive
7.4
Two Fists, One Heart
(2009)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.9
The Threesome
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.1
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
(2009)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.1
Show Boat
(1951)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.0
The Mighty Quinn
(1989)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
Romeo + Juliet
(1996)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Center
7.3
The Lincoln Lawyer
(2011)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.8
The Ballad of Little Jo
(1993)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
6.7
Chocolat
(2000)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate