Is West Side Story worth a watch?

Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Story Side is an outstanding film achievement. West Side Story is a remake of the 1961 Best Picture Oscar winner of the same title. The plot can easily be compared to William Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet but instead takes place in the mid-1950s New York when racial segregation was at the tip of the iceberg.

Tony (former leader of Caucasian gang, The Jets) and Maria (Puerto Rican immigrant) fall in love at a school dance. Both poor but of different races, embark on a journey to fight for their love. The film explores the theme of rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different racial backgrounds. Maria and Tony’s relationship heightens the power struggle on both sides of the rival gangs. With beautiful lyrics by the late Stephen Sondheim, their love is expressed in stunning musical numbers and catchy tunes that anyone who sees the film will leave home humming.

What makes this film very special is the direction Spielberg takes with the film. Same plot and the same music, but Spielberg updates it with correct representation towards the Latinx community. In an interview, Spielberg shared that he wanted this film to be as authentic as possible, and his intention since the beginning was to cast Latinx actors to play the Sharks’ boys, girls, and main characters. Also, he asked for no English subtitles for the Spanish dialogue. (IGN )

If you don’t know Spanish, don’t worry Pulitzer-winning playwright Tony Kushner makes it easy to understand the moment’s actors speak Spanish by offering similar dialogue right after but in English.

Also, Spielberg and his creative team do well on creating a world that’s more realistic. The film shows the working-class neighborhood of San Juan Hill including Latino and black residents’ and their struggles. Spielberg magically transfers you to the 1950s and shows realistic scenarios (development of the Lincoln Center), which is greatly appreciated, because Hollywood never shows the type of struggles that the Latinx communities lived long ago. As a Latino man, I was happy to see this on-screen. This is a great way for others to learn about the Latinx struggles back in the day.

For Spielberg’s first musical, he does not let anyone down. His direction on the musical brings back old Schoool Hollywood musical numbers that include statuesque moments with well-formed wide shots that immersive you into the action. Also, I admire Spielberg for the gift of delicate details of the era. Take the time to inhale everything in Anita’s apartment and the drugstore. It’s quite beautiful.

The female cast is who steals the show. Rita Moreno returns as a new character named Valentina, the widow of Doc, the drugstore owner. Moreno as Valentina can become the first-ever actress to receive a nomination for a new interpretation of a movie that the same actor started in and won an award at the Oscars. Moreno’s portrayal as Valentina is pleasant. All she wants is harmony for the people she loves. Moreno is the glaze on a donut. She is sweet and you will be asking for more.

Ariana Debose will with no doubt be nominated for Best Supporting Actress at next year’s Oscars ceremony for her portrayal as Anita. The Afro-Latina-trained dancer/actress steals every scene she is in. She makes Anita an empowered woman towards the end of the film. She is convincing and is kindhearted to those she loves. Ariana makes Anita captivating. You won’t be able to take your eyes off her. She is magnetic as Anita. Give her the Oscar already! There is a scene towards the end which makes Debose’s acting choices benevolent. She is great!

Lastly, newcomer Rachel Zegler… Hollywood better watch out because she is about to take every role in Hollywood. Zegler is charming as Maria. Her voice enchants you. She is truly is a Princess. She was gifted a voice that will take her far in her career. In the film, it’s noticeable that this is her first big acting role, as some of her acting choices as Maria were questionable and for a minute didn’t make me feel anything, especially towards the third act. I told myself “That was it?!” Maria’s choice in the film makes her an irresponsible young girl. That’s not Zegler fault though, she did was she could with the role. HOLLYWOOD, BEWARE, Zeglar is coming!

West Side Story will be remembered as one of the most beautiful films ever made. Spielberg definitely put effort into turning a classic into a brand new film for a whole new generation, and well he does not fail whatsoever! The film is a pot of gold that will shine for its deeply moving moments, its choreography, its direction, and its mission to show real representation. Best Picture at the Oscars? I say YES!

West Side Story is now playing at a theatre near you.