West Side Story DVD [2022]

Modern remakes of classic musicals rarely hit the mark, much less present a worthy alternative to the original. An exception is Steven Spielberg’s magnificent “West Side Story”.Part-hommage to, part-enhancement of Jerome Robbins’ path-breaking original film, which in turn was based on his Broadway staging inspired by Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, the film speaks to a modern audience in language that is gritty and contemporary, while still remaining grounded in the now somewhat old-fashioned format of a musical.To begin with, it is far more violent, not just in the bloody, bone-crushing fights but also in dancing that is visceral enough to be called aggressive. This is immediately apparent in the Prologue which begins, like in the original film, with balletic leaps; but soon becomes genuinely frightening and sets the tone for this film.The original Prologue was filmed in New York City on the lot which was ear-marked for demolition to make way for what is now Lincoln Center. Here, the film is set in that actual locale, which is shown partly destroyed. Thus, the turf-war between rival gangs becomes all the more desperate, as both are now vying for supremacy in a fast-dwindling patch of real-estate. In this, the “Jets” are made up of USA-born children of European immigrants, while the “Sharks” are immigrants themselves from Puerto Rico, after it became part of the USA. Thus, there is a cultural and linguistic (English/Spanish) divide, adding to the battle over limited resources; and the conflict between Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets is given real, contemporary resonance.In this scenario, the plight of the “star-crossed lovers” Tony and Maria, also becomes all the more poignant. Maria’s brother Bernardo, leader of the Sharks, becomes the Tybalt-character, while Mercutio is represented by Riff, the leader of the Jets and Tony’s best friend.Tony Kushner’s screenplay, augmented from the original, adds colour and motivation not only to individual characters but also the larger groups they come from; and even to the forces of law-and-order, charged with the unenviable task of policing these troubled streets while dealing with their own prejudices.All the characters from the original play/film are given revised backgrounds; but the one given a near-total make-over is that of Doc, who runs the neighbourhood drug-store where the Jets hang out. Here, it is Doc’s widow Valentina who owns the shop. She is played by Rita Moreno, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita, Bernardo’s firebrand girlfriend, in the earlier film. As a Puerto Rican who married a white American, Valentina becomes the example to which Tony and Maria aspire; and it is appropriate that the song “Somewhere” with the lyrics “There’s a place for us, a time and place for us” is given to her.Ms Moreno delivers a deeply moving characterisation; and newcomer Rachel Zegler is utterly believable and sincere in the role of Maria. It’s a shame that both were not nominated for Academy Awards. Everyone else gives committed performances, true to their characters and making-up a fabulous, tightly-knit ensemble.But it is evident that Director Steven Spielberg is the real star of the show. This is passionate and supremely skilful film-making, aided by the starkly-etched cinematography of Janusz Kaminski. Both bring this sadly present-day, urban war vividly to the screen.Even so, and rightly so, one is left with the words that end Maria and Anita’s final duet: “When love comes so strong, there is no right or wrong; your love is your life”.

I was reluctant to watch this movie as a) I love the original to distraction and b) having watched Elgort recently in 'Tokyo Vice' I couldn't really see him as Tony - but my mind has been blown by Spielberg's vision. The choreography is superb, the acting and singing likewise, the story (albeit with a few changes) is all there and having Rita Moreno from the original cast as Valentina is genius, as is her part in the story. All in all I'm glad I took a punt!

Although this new version of the musical offers some refreshing scenes, my preference is with the original version which combines considerable acting prowess with dazzling dance routines. I must admit that Maria looks ideal for young star role in this current version. A film well worth a view.

I'd heard there was a new adaptation of 'West Side Story' in the works for a while, and although I was intrigued, I just didn't know how they could carry it off...until the teaser trailer was released, and I was just mesmerised. Spielberg himself is a big fan of the 1961 film, and it's clear the 2021 version was made with nothing but love for the original material. I feel like the people who didn't like the new 'West Side Story' probably had already made up their minds that they wouldn't like it, out of determination to honour the 1961 version, and because 'the original is always the best...no matter what.' I had high expectations, and I was a little worried that the movie wouldn't meet them, but boy, was I wrong. You understand a little more of the background of the Jets; Tony has been in prison for almost beating a guy to death and wants to change, but also feels a certain degree of loyalty to the gang. Instead of Doc, we have his widow, Valentina (played by Rita Moreno, the original Anita of the 1961 film), a successful interracial pairing who represent what Tony and Maria perhaps could have had one day, had they not been caught in the middle of gang rivalry; and the balcony scene is beautiful, involving Tony literally climbing up the fire escape railings to reach Maria. I knew how it would end, but I was not prepared for it at all, and I felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest (in a good way). Unless you are completely devoted to the 1961 movie, I see no reason why anyone watching this won't be swept away. I lost my heart to this tragic tale of star-crossed young love.

This is a excellent remake of the original film. Both leads have wonderfull chemistry. The action between the Jets and Sharks well done. A timeless love story with one of the best songs Tonight.

Saw this at the cinema on release and just had to have the dvd. It’s a fabulous film with great acting dancing and singing. In my view it’s better than the original but I appreciate that is a personal choice!

Great movie better than the original