West Side Story (2021)
Country: US
Technical: col/2.39:1 156m
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Corey Stoll
Synopsis:
As redevelopment of the Lower West Side seems to favour the hardworking Puerto Rican newcomers over its delinquent Irish/Polish occupants, the Jets and Sharks size up to one another in an attempt to exert dominance over 'their territory'. Their womenfolk and the police look on in despair as the situation escalates.
Review:
Arthur Laurents' updating of Romeo and Juliet to gang warfare has not so much retained its relevance as proved dispiritingly prophetic. Spielberg's decision to remake might be justified for that reason alone, but the slight changes he makes are significant: Krupke transformed from dunderheaded schmuck to caring peace officer, the sense of a crumbling environment poised for demolition, the inclusion of more Spanish (lots more Spanish). Elsewhere the film scores as highly as before, the music, song and dance given due validation and lent additional weight by their familiarity; meanwhile Wise's broad canvas professionalism is answered by Spielberg's signature poise in the editing, lighting and camera moves. Colour grading mimics the Technicolor hues of olden times most effectively, and Moreno's rendition of Somewhere is especially moving.
Country: US
Technical: col/2.39:1 156m
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Corey Stoll
Synopsis:
As redevelopment of the Lower West Side seems to favour the hardworking Puerto Rican newcomers over its delinquent Irish/Polish occupants, the Jets and Sharks size up to one another in an attempt to exert dominance over 'their territory'. Their womenfolk and the police look on in despair as the situation escalates.
Review:
Arthur Laurents' updating of Romeo and Juliet to gang warfare has not so much retained its relevance as proved dispiritingly prophetic. Spielberg's decision to remake might be justified for that reason alone, but the slight changes he makes are significant: Krupke transformed from dunderheaded schmuck to caring peace officer, the sense of a crumbling environment poised for demolition, the inclusion of more Spanish (lots more Spanish). Elsewhere the film scores as highly as before, the music, song and dance given due validation and lent additional weight by their familiarity; meanwhile Wise's broad canvas professionalism is answered by Spielberg's signature poise in the editing, lighting and camera moves. Colour grading mimics the Technicolor hues of olden times most effectively, and Moreno's rendition of Somewhere is especially moving.
Country: US
Technical: col/2.39:1 156m
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Corey Stoll
Synopsis:
As redevelopment of the Lower West Side seems to favour the hardworking Puerto Rican newcomers over its delinquent Irish/Polish occupants, the Jets and Sharks size up to one another in an attempt to exert dominance over 'their territory'. Their womenfolk and the police look on in despair as the situation escalates.
Review:
Arthur Laurents' updating of Romeo and Juliet to gang warfare has not so much retained its relevance as proved dispiritingly prophetic. Spielberg's decision to remake might be justified for that reason alone, but the slight changes he makes are significant: Krupke transformed from dunderheaded schmuck to caring peace officer, the sense of a crumbling environment poised for demolition, the inclusion of more Spanish (lots more Spanish). Elsewhere the film scores as highly as before, the music, song and dance given due validation and lent additional weight by their familiarity; meanwhile Wise's broad canvas professionalism is answered by Spielberg's signature poise in the editing, lighting and camera moves. Colour grading mimics the Technicolor hues of olden times most effectively, and Moreno's rendition of Somewhere is especially moving.