West Side Story is a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents.

Inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, the story is set in the mid-1950s in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, then a multiracial, blue-collar neighborhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang's leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in musical theatre.

The original 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Robbins, marked Sondheim's Broadway debut. It ran for 732 performances before going on tour. The production was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 1958, winning two. The show had an even longer-running West End production, a number of revivals, and international productions. A 1961 musical film adaptation, co-directed by Robert Wise and Robbins, starred Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won ten, including Best Picture. A 2021 film adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, starred Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler.

(Excerpt from Wikipedia)

West Side Story (2021)

Many a people will throw the tragic tales of Romeo and Juliet while watching this musical movie.

And they will not be wrong.

What not many people will know is that William Shakespeare was above plagiarizing good stuff, namely the Greek tragedy Pyramus and Thisbe.

Everyone knows Hollywood copies stuff, shamelessly.

Grease is another variation of Romeo and Juliet.

Even this year's In The Heights to some extend is a very modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet!!!

I have watched West Side Story (1961) when a remaster was done for it's bluray release. Before that movie I believe it was successful Broadway show.

The 1961 movie is considered very definitive. Why would Steven Spielberg do a remake?

The best I can figure is updated sound design and camera work.

This movie is beautifully shot and recorded.

The cast is quite perfect.

My one concern about the casting is Ansel Elgort.

I am not going into his alleged sexual misconduct.

He basically plays two roles here, Tony (Anton) the mister perfect for Maria and Tony the leader of The Jets. The Jets is what can be describe as "white supremacy" gang something we maybe more familiar in modern context.

I feels that he plays the lover role better than the fighter role here. Just my opinion.

Musical is par excellent.

Sets are amazing.

This movie is NOT for everyone.

If you like musical, go for it (Eg. this is WAY better compared to Weber's movie Phantom of the Opera)

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Dec 15 2021, 12:15 AM