‘West Facet Story’ film overview: Spielberg remake a musical masterpiece – Nationwide

West Facet Story isn’t solely the 1962 Oscar winner for finest image, it’s additionally one of the crucial iconic musicals in historical past — most individuals know of it, a overwhelming majority can sing no less than one tune from it, and we’ve principally all heard in regards to the cursed love story of Tony and Maria, which turned an archetype for numerous romantic dramas that adopted.

Who else might presumably deal with a remake of this stature in 2021? None apart from legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who wants no introduction. In his deft arms, the 2021 model of West Facet Story is a splash of shiny color and sound, by some means advised anew regardless of the familiarity of the story.

Full of dance sequences choreographed to perfection, together with superbly sung items and heartfelt spoken scenes, it truly is a masterwork by Spielberg. The way in which the digicam floats down via the fireplace escapes of New York Metropolis (actually New Jersey disguised because the Huge Apple, however you wouldn’t realize it), the best way the colorful clothes juxtapose the gray hardness of concrete, and the easy emotion from the forged actually deliver the film to a different stage. It’s the top of musical sumptuousness.

Why are you raving so arduous about this?

In an period of remakes and reboots, we’re so usually let down in our countless quest for nostalgia. However one thing actually clicks right here. Each half suits simply so, and the problems the characters face have a resonance right this moment, despite the fact that the unique film was launched 60 years in the past. For these unaware, West Facet Story tells the story of two warring teenage gangs within the metropolis — the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks — as they battle over turf.

There are questions of identification, of belonging, of alienation, of hope, all related to points younger individuals are going through right this moment. Positive, the sport area is totally different now, however some traces delivered by the forged actually hit house, together with remarks about United States regulation enforcement treating immigrants in another way, or giving a bonus to white individuals. Even when Tony or Maria are advised to “follow their very own sort,” it’s saddening to understand that that mindset continues to be prevalent, even now, all through North America.

Spielberg even manages to incorporate a transgender character, a pleasant fashionable contact, showcasing one other instance of what it’s prefer to grapple together with your identification.

How is the forged?

There may be actually no phrase apart from “large.” As an Ansel Elgort skeptic, I used to be fairly merely blown away by his efficiency as Tony on this film. His voice is like butter, harkening again to the graceful voices of the olden days, and in some scenes, he has Marlon Brando’s swagger and presence. Huge phrases, I do know.

Rachel Zegler as Maria has a commanding display presence, once more with a powerful voice. She and Elgort have a pure chemistry, and the scene on the dance the place the 2 first encounter each other is electrical.

It’s no shock that the supporting forged can also be incredible, particularly Ariana DeBose as Anita. Her voice is highly effective, and she or he leads the rousing America quantity, which is a showstopper proper on the centre of the movie. The second the tune was over, I wished to observe it once more simply to catch all of the finer particulars of the choreography. It’s jaw-dropping.

Rita Moreno, now 89, who performed Anita within the authentic film, performs Valentina right here, a reconceived model of the Doc character, the proprietor of the nook retailer the place Tony works. Moreno provides an authenticity to the movie, and is an important a part of the proceedings.

What else is totally different about this model?

Spielberg modified a number of parts of the film — for one, making Maria 18 years outdated — and rearranged a couple of different issues: there’s extra of a backstory to Tony and to the Jets/Sharks rivalry, Tony and Maria exit on a correct date as a substitute of continually sneaking round and the “marriage ceremony vows” between the pair are tweaked.

One noticeable change is the dearth of subtitles for Spanish dialogue. This was completed purposefully by Spielberg to indicate that the 2 languages are created equal, a robust assertion in a divided society. (In case you don’t converse Spanish, there could also be some missed traces for you. However it’s OK, it doesn’t impede the film in any means.)

So what’s the underside line?

Saturated, lovely and heartfelt, this model of West Facet Story is near perfection, a real feat on this period of flicks. Go away it as much as one of many masters of our time to get the job completed; without delay a throwback and a look-forward, anticipate this film to win large come Oscar time.

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‘West Facet Story’ is now taking part in in theatres throughout Canada. Please verify your native listings for particulars.