West Side Story (2021), PG-13, 2 hr 36 min

West Side Story (2021), PG-13, 2 hr 36 min

“A timeless story of love, rivalry, and hope—told through music and movement.”

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Main Cast

Ansel Elgort – Tony
Rachel Zegler – María
Ariana DeBose – Anita
David Alvarez – Bernardo
Mike Faist – Riff
Rita Moreno – Valentina
Corey Stoll – Lieutenant Schrank
Brian d'Arcy James – Officer Krupke
Josh Andrés Rivera – Chino
Iris Menas – Anybodys
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Reviews
Critics Ratings
My Rating: 9/10
The Dove Foundation: Not Rated
IMDb: 7.2/10 
Metacritic: 85/100
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Plot Summary

West Side Story is Steven Spielberg’s remake of the iconic 1961 musical, itself adapted from the Broadway production inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Set in 1950s New York City, the story follows two rival gangs—the white American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks—as their turf war collides with a tragic love story. When Tony, a former Jet, falls in love with María, the sister of the Sharks’ leader, tensions erupt into violence, testing the strength of love against the weight of hatred and prejudice.
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Overview

This 2021 adaptation is a fresh, heartfelt, and visually stunning retelling of a beloved classic. Spielberg brings an authentic edge to the film by recontextualizing the story within the real social issues of the era, while staying loyal to the original’s musical roots. The choreography is dynamic, the music (by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim) remains powerful, and the performances—especially from Ariana DeBose and newcomer Rachel Zegler—breathe new life into timeless characters. The film was praised for its production design, cultural sensitivity, and emotional depth.
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Family Friendliness & Christian Perspective

Rated PG-13 for violence, thematic content, and suggestive material, West Side Story includes several moments of gang-related tension and implied sexual content, though nothing explicit. From a Christian perspective, the film explores the consequences of hate, vengeance, and prejudice—highlighting the need for forgiveness, peace, and understanding. The tragic ending echoes biblical themes of lost innocence and the high cost of unresolved conflict. Parents should consider the violence and mature themes, but older teens and adults will find it a meaningful and morally rich viewing experience.
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Notable Scenes

Dance at the Gym: A high-energy scene where María and Tony first lock eyes, set against electric choreography and rising tension.

“America” Performance: Anita leads the cast in a vibrant, colorful number celebrating dreams and differences in America.

Rumble Under the Highway: A gripping and emotional scene that shifts the tone of the film permanently, with devastating consequences.

Balcony Scene: A heartfelt and romantic tribute to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with María and Tony confessing their love.

Final Moments: A tragic resolution that brings both gangs to a moment of reckoning, mourning, and potential healing.

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