West Side Story

West Side Story

By Steven Spielberg

  • Genre: Musicals
  • Release Date: 2021-12-10
  • Advisory Rating: 18
  • Runtime: 2h 36min
  • Director: Steven Spielberg
  • Production Company: Seven Arts Productions
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • iTunes Price: GBP 9.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: GBP 3.49
7.237/10
7.237
From 1,915 Ratings

Description

Produced and directed by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by screenwriter and playwright Tony Kushner, WEST SIDE STORY tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love, set in 1957 New York City. A whole new generation can experience this reimagining of the beloved musical originally choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and original book by Arthur Laurents. Ansel Elgort stars as Tony, a former member of the Jets street gang, and Rachel Zegler stars as María, a young woman whose brother is the head of the Jets’ rival gang, the Sharks. When Tony and María meet, they fall in love, but those close to them discourage their union. As racial and territorial tensions mount between the competing gangs, events unfold that threaten the young lovers’ happiness. Along with its iconic songs, the film features breathtaking new choreography from Justin Peck, with the score helmed by renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel and arranged by composer and conductor David Newman. WEST SIDE STORY also stars Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Josh Andrés Rivera, Ana Isabelle, Corey Stoll, Brian d’Arcy James, and Rita Moreno, who was featured in the 1961 film version, and who serves as an executive producer. The film’s creative team additionally includes Kushner as an executive producer, along with Daniel Lupi and Adam Somner, with Kevin McCollum and Kristie Macosko Krieger also producing. A timeless story of love and social unrest, the film also features stunning cinematography by Janusz Kaminski.

Trailer

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Reviews

  • Woke rubbish

    1
    By Nick Name_99
    Avoid this piece if you don’t want to be manipulated into think you’re an oppressive tyrant. Spielberg should be ashamed.
  • Hopeful just disappointing

    1
    By carefulsquid
    I enjoy a good film like LaLa Land or Mulan Rouge. When the main couple are on screen it’s great and some songs are fine. The songs around the rest of the film feel out of place and stale. I have not seen the original but this feels like a copy paste. I would say bring it up to date but of course you might as well just do another R&J film which makes this pointless.
  • Cinematic Musical Magic

    5
    By MrDollydealer
    This remake has magic in almost every frame. It brings this classic story and music to a new generation. There’s not a weak link in the cast, everyone is superb and Rachel Zegler is an absolute star, she lights up the screen and is utterly mesmerising. Ariana DeBose is equally incredible. The changes really work, the sound editing is sensational, you don’t miss a word and the balance between vocals and orchestra is perfection. The cinematography is a love letter to choreography and always seems to respect the dancers feet by shooting low. It is just a mystery that this wasn’t a huge success at the box office. It’s a masterpiece. I only have one criticism which is the final shot of the film. It took me out of the world I was immersed in. It was a weird choice for me, as every other shot in the film was pure magic. But it still is one of the best musicals I’ve ever seen on screen.
  • Disappointing

    2
    By Rightist he
    The original is better and this felt slow and tired - maybe in the heights was better
  • king spielberg

    5
    By Ciaran Douglas
    this just swept me away. THIS is why I love film. spielberg still the king of hollywood. craftsmanship here across the board is exceptional. technically a 5/5 but lets see if it stands the test of time in its own right; currently im struggling to view it outside of the 1961 version's shadow but this for sure, if nothing else, reinvigorates what i already consider to be the greatest musical of all time.
  • Wonderful remake

    5
    By Creative1946
    Forget the original and wonderful first version and get taken in by Spielberg,s master film making. Stirring music and excellent casting make this three hours of film magic. Seen it twice at the cinema and now on iTunes. It’s a master class in film musicals for a new age to enjoy this story.
  • A Classic Re-Telling of a Classic

    5
    By Matti J
    Purely speaking- genius film making on every level. A new classic musical of an old classic.

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