MOVIE REVIEW

West Side Story

RELEASE DATE:  December 10, 2021

RATING:  PG-13 (some strong violence, brief smoking, strong language, suggestive material, thematic content)

The filmmakers and many participants of this version of West Side Story have made it clear that this is a “re-imagining” of the 1961 film, not a “remake.”  Regardless of how it is described, 2021’s West Side Story, under the direction and vision of Steven Spielberg, is sweeping in scope and captivating in design.

From its opening tracking shot that introduces us to an area of New York in transition in the late 1950s, during which residents were being evicted to make way for what would become Lincoln Center, this film, unlike its predecessor of 60 years ago, provides the socio-economic context that provides layers to each individual story within the macro story.  

The cast, this time around with actors of color portraying characters of color, provides life to those names that have become somewhat legendary, from Tony (Ansel Elgort) to Maria (Rachel Zegler) to Anita (Ariana DeBose).  

Iconic actress Rita Moreno, who portrayed Anita in the 1961 film – a performance that earned her a Supporting Actress Academy Award — has a nice, sentimental turn here as a new character, Valentina, proprietor of the drugstore once run by her late husband, Doc.  Moreno also serves as an executive director of this film.

In addition to Speilberg’s flawless directing, one must give proper credit to writer Tony Kushner, who has added some essential elements to the tale; longtime Spielberg collaborator, cinematographer Janusz Kaminski; production designer Adam Stockhausen; and costume designer Paul Tazewell.

Leonard Bernstein’s memorable score, made even more moving by the words of lyricist Stephen Sondheim, continues to be critical to the storytelling, one of divisiveness, hope, misunderstanding, cultural and racial biases, and of true but ill-fated love.

While Zegler makes an impressive film debut and is quite convincing as Maria, I was unable to sense a believable chemistry between she and co-star Elgort.  DeBose really shines in each of her scenes and delivers an Oscar-worthy performance, and Moreno again proves what a gift she is to the acting profession.  Her moving rendition of “Somewhere” will leave you in tears.  

Did 1961s West Side Story need to be remade?  No, not really.  Am I glad that it has been re-imagined?  Indeed, I am, especially through the heart, soul, and gifts of master filmmaker Steven Spielberg.