West Side (2000) [DVD9]

"Love Isn't Always in Black and White" is a film titled "WEST SIDE," which presents a compelling yet harsh love story inspired by "Romeo and Juliet." The movie features notable performances from actors Lexington Steele and Inari Vachs, and is directed by Ren Savant. Spanning three hours, it blends intense sexual scenes with emotional depth, a notable achievement in adult cinema. The film garnered several accolades at the 2001 AVN Awards, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Couples Sex Scene, and received nominations for Best Video Feature and Best DVD. The plot centers around Inari's character, who rebels against her wealthy and hypocritical guardians to pursue a forbidden romance with Lexington, creating tension due to their differing backgrounds. Despite its ambitious themes addressing racism and interracial relationships, the execution is critiqued as superficial and heavy-handed. The narrative incorporates elements of gang warfare and social taboos but is criticized for relying on stereotypes. The production quality is noted as high-budget but suffers from a video format that diminishes its visual appeal. The film features multiple explicit scenes, with varying levels of engagement. While some sequences, such as a threesome and an orgy, show promise, they are hampered by poor pacing and distracting storytelling interjections. Critics highlight the best scene as the coupling between Inari and Lexington, although it still falls short of the potential set by the film's aspirations. Overall,"WEST SIDE" is recognized for its production quality and ambition but ultimately lacks the compelling storytelling and erotic energy needed to warrant repeated viewings. Extras on the DVD include trailers, a photo gallery, and a making-of featurette, although audio clarity is noted as inconsistent. Released on October 31, 2000, by Video Team (Metro), it showcases a range of performers.