West Side Story

2021 • 156 minutes
3.8
61 reviews
91%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

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.
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

3.8
61 reviews
Steve
March 6, 2022
I've tried to watch this movie 3 times but always burst into laughter whenever the Jets start dancing. I could buy into the hokey dialog and dance styles in a 60's movie, but this not by todays standards of entertainment. Frankly you're better-off just googling the Norm McDonald parady and calling it a night 🌙
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M. S.
May 2, 2022
The bad reviews make me laugh! Complaints about forgettable songs, race and politics, etc. WATCH the original movie! The songs are classic, the race and politics storyline took place in the 1960's when the movie was made and race is the movies foundation. Spielberg did a spectacular job with the cinematography. While it's not the original, it's a fresh take on the classic. It can always be viewed on Disney+ or HBO/MAX first.
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Stephen Jacewicz
March 4, 2022
I got to say I like In The Heights more when it comes to 2021. West Side Story a defiently a crowning achievement for Spielberg however. The way he shot the fire escape scene was beautiful because that part looked like a 60s film. Rachel Ziggler and Ariana Debose absolutely nail it and the production design and even certain stunts and dances are just great cinematic achievements. West Side Story of 21 all in all is a delight of beauty and wonder.
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