West Side Story, the 2021 Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation of the 1957 musical, showed up on Disney+ streaming service just in time for the final weeks leading to Oscars night. You can freely stream it anytime with a subscription; for lovers of the classic film and newcomers alike, West Side Story should provide musical bliss with its stunning visuals and well-depicted tragedy.
The Jets and the Sharks are two warring gangs of the white and Puerto Rican youths, battling over a dwindling turf in New York City’s Upper West Side. When Maria, sister of the Sharks’ leader, falls in love with Tony, a former Jet on parole and trying to disaffiliate, the gangs erupt with greater tension than ever before. As Maria and Tony try desperately to hold on to their love, the gangs’ hatred pushes towards tragedy.
Ansel Elgort - Tony
Rachel Zegler - Maria
Ariana DeBose - Anita
David Alvarez - Bernardo
Mike Faist - Riff
Rita Moreno - Valentina
Brian d'Arcy James - Officer Krupke
Corey Stoll - Lieutenant Schrank
Undoubtedly, viewers will argue on the comparisons between the 2021 version of West Side Story and the 1961 version. Amazingly, the new one has merits of its own, with a great young cast and an even more significant message about racial and class divides. Regardless of the context of the story, the direction, choreography, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the music is once again stunning. This time around, all the actors are singing their parts, unlike the original film. On every scale, West Side Story is a technical masterpiece whether you judge it as better or worse than the original film.
You can stream West Side Story on Disney+ right now!