A perfect remake, and yet, so much more.
Overall Score: 10/10
Image: 20th Century Studios
In 1961, the world was introduced to one of the most famous and influential musical films of all time: West Side Story (based on the 1957 broadway production of the same name). And now, six decades later, Steven Spielberg, along with screenwriter Tony Kushner, have decided that the time has come for this beloved classic to be remade and reintroduced to the world. However, as with all remakes, one must ask: Is a retelling of such an iconic and respected story really necessary? Well, I’m here to tell you — quite happily, I might add — that the decision to retell this timeless tale was the right one, and that this new West Side Story will absolutely have you falling head-over-heels in love with it.
A more modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the story of two star-crossed lovers: Tony and Maria. Keeping them apart is the rivalry between the Sharks and the Jets (the story’s main groups of Puerto Ricans and Caucasians, respectively). While there’s no denying that Romeo and Juliet deals with the heavy theme of prejudice, West Side Story takes it a step further by having the central conflict stem from racism and racial tension. And with that, the latter makes this tale-as-old-as-time story so much more meaningful and relevant.
Much of the plot and musical numbers remain mostly unchanged (save for a few minor rearrangements and recontextualizations of certain scenes). Each song remains as cool and exciting, cute, or emotionally rich as it did in the original. Furthermore, certain songs are given new life through a much more modern vision and presentation. “I Feel Pretty,” for example, now takes place in a department store instead of a bridal shop. Meanwhile, other songs are presented in new and different contexts. For instance, “Somewhere,” instead of being sung by Tony and Maria, is now sung by Rita Moreno’s (the original Anita) Valentina, making it all the more heartbreaking.
What’s also impressive is that Spielberg and Kushner have found a way to expand upon the original without bogging it down with unnecessary and excessive amounts of dialogue. It’s the little character moments that have been added that make this new film superior to its predecessor. Tony and Maria, for example, are given more time together on-screen. It’s only a few additional minutes, but it’s enough to make their undying love for one another seem far more authentic and believable.
The decision to cast a number of broadway performers instead of multiple big A-list actors ultimately pays off here, as there’s so much more than just acting that has to be done (there’s lots of singing and dancing that’s involved too). Everyone does a fantastic job, but the standouts are Ariana DeBose (Anita) and Rachel Zegler (Maria), who shine in their respective roles and give powerful and heartfelt performances. Furthermore, the decision to bring back Rita Moreno and rework the character Doc (now Valentina, the former’s widow) just for her, honors not just the legacy of the original film, but that of Moreno herself as well.
And, of course, we mustn't forget about the outstanding behind-the-scenes aspects of the film. The production design is simply amazing, the costume designs are a feast for the eyes, and the colors that are used in each frame are a callback to the films of the 1960s. Moreover, the cinematography is spectacular and quite different from that of the original as the camera takes you straight into the heart of the action instead of letting you watch it from afar.
In conclusion, West Side Story is a powerful film that takes the classic Romeo and Juliet narrative and puts a modern spin on it by covering a range of relevant social issues. It was considered groundbreaking back when it first debuted, and now, several decades later, it still very much is. And while Spielberg’s direction may be heavy on nostalgia, it is also certainly refreshing and unique. His West Side Story does the impossible by living up to the original, and, in more ways than one, surpassing it. It is a perfect remake, and yet, so much more. And by updating the classic story and revitalizing it, Spielberg has effectively paved the way for a whole new generation to enjoy, appreciate, and fall in love with it.
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