Maria (Rachel Zegler) and Tony (Ansel Elgort) fall in love on the west side of New York City. Unfortunately they are associated with rival street gangs and their love causes a rift that leads to war between the Jets and the Sharks. 

Steven Spielberg has chosen to remake a film classic for his latest movie and whilst some may have been apprehensive about the choice they need not have worried. Spielberg’s West Side Story is an absolute triumph from beginning to end. 

Based on the 1957 musical by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim which itself was based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet the film charts the forbidden love between the Puerto Rican Maria and Polish Tony. Their affiliation with two rival gangs both vying for their sense of ownership of their home will end in tragedy. 

With a cast of mostly unknown actors, some minor tweaks to the story and a real zest for creating some beautifully choreographed musical numbers Spielberg and his regular cinematographer Janusz Kaminski have created a fantastic musical. 

The relatively unknown cast is probably the greatest achievement here. Rachel Zegler making her film debut is sensational as Maria. Whilst Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo and Mike Faist as Griff are equally brilliant. All of whom cast a bit of a shadow on the much more famous Elgort in the lead role. Whilst Zegler gets to belt out the iconic Tonight and have fun with I Feel Pretty I think I most enjoyed DeBose rendition of America which features some fantastic costumes and brilliant choreography. 

The major (but still minor) tweak to the story allows Spielberg to give a star from the 1961 film a significant role in this one. Rita Moreno who played Anita in the 1961 film plays Valentina here, who is the wife of the absent Doc in this story. It also allows her to sing Somewhere. 

Overall it is a fantastic watch even for those who have a special place in their heart for the 1961 film.