Inspired by Hollywood - West Side Story

Inspired by Hollywood
For several weeks each winter, our Sunday gathering draws inspiration from Hollywood, bringing the innovation, challenges, and provocation of the silver screen into our Perspective(s). It is a wonderful way to engage newcomers so don't hesitate to bring your friends to explore and discuss these amazing films. I If possible, watch the movie beforehand, then join us Sunday for the inspiration. If you can't watch the film, don't fret, the message will still be meaningful.

On Belonging

This week, we are beginning our film series, Inspired by Hollywood, with the remake of West Side Story. Set in 1957, in the Upper West Side of New York City it is the story of two rival street gangs. The Jets, made up of white kids and a Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. It is really the story of Romeo and Juliet. Tony, the Jet, and Maria the sister to the leader of the Sharks fall in love but just like Romeo and Juliet it is a tragic romance foiled because they belong to rival groups. Instead of the Montagues and the Capulets, it's the Sharks and the Jets. 

Of course there are differences between the two stories and one important difference is in the nature of the belonging. Romeo and Juliet were born into rival families.  A different life cannot be imagined. The sense of belonging is like water to a fish. But a street gang is different. It is a chosen family. 

We will wonder about the nature of belonging. Part of the reason kids join a street gang is for the sense of belonging, of community, which is what we are looking for here at West Hill United. While we must not condone the bad behavior of street gangs, something they are looking for and finding in being a gang member is the same thing that we are looking for: a sense of belonging.
Watch the movie trailer