West Side Story (2021)

 West Side Story 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dir: Steven Spielberg

Opening on a post-apocalypticism note with music reminiscent of Disney's Tarzan, we are soon introduced to the Jets, the white American gang we know in this musical. Music and dancing begin and if anyone was in any doubt, we know we're watching a musical now. And so it begins, Steven Spielberg's take on the 1957 set, musical version of Romeo and Juliet.

  With beautifully choreographed fights and cultural tensions between the American Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks framing the story of unlikely lovers Jet Tony and Puerto Rican Maria, this musical has been popular for decades, most being familiar with the 1961 film. With budgets, sets and expectations bigger and higher 50 years on, we expected something different. What we get is seemingly endless sets, great costumes, huge dance numbers and a recognisable story with a fresh feel. With a slightly more mature Tony and a slightly bolder Maria, there is a contemporary feel to the film.

  The now notorious Rachel Zegler delights as Maria with beautiful singing with good if not great acting. Ansel Elgort seems to be counting a little in his head and his performance is somewhat overshadowed by the sexual abuse allegations made before the film was released. However, his singing is as good as Zegler's. The chemistry is only just there but it is there.  A somewhat gentler take on a passionate story, probably due to modern sensibilities, it is still the love story we know and love. One Hand, One Heart gives a particularly beautiful scene. With more moments between Tony and Maria, intercut with the Jets and the Sharks, the story feels a little more fleshed out than the 1961 film. This maybe because it's closer to the original stage show.

   The supporting cast are stellar, the men interested in fighting and the women longing for peace while still being xenophobic. All dance, sing and act as well as we want. The films 173 nominations and 43 wins, including the Oscars and BAFTAs, are richly deserved. Ariana DeBose in particular shines as Anita. She became the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman to win an Oscar for acting. 

  One thing I don't like in this film, there are long moments when the Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, and, with no subtitles, I had no idea what they were saying. Don't get me wrong, of course they'll speak their mother tongue on occasion but, with no subtitles, it is slightly jarring. 

  This is a film with authentic feeling sets, Oscar worthy costumes and the numbers we love. Everyone who worked on this film did a good job, making it a good film. Whether being compared to the film, stage show, it's original source material or nothing at all, this film stands up. With so many remakes being dreadful or taken in a new direction that destroys it's charm, Spielberg and his crew were smart enough to keep it true to the original. Not a shot for shot remake but still recognisable.

  With the 1961 film still criticised for the casting of white actors as Latino characters and the subtle portrayal of the Jets as 'goodies', this film was a welcome change for many. The original film is also one that tends to drag a little in places, this film is engaging from start to finish. Still dark, still a tear-jerker, sadly still relevant and still recognisable as an adaptation of Shakespeare's masterpiece, this was a film that could easily have been terrible but actually surpassed the original. With a new character created to give Rita Moreno a role as Doc's widow, Valentina, it is here who poignantly sings Somewhere. Not a perfect film, it is a brilliant film. Rachel Zegler may not have endeared herself to Disney fans, but this film, is one she nailed.