TV viewers are in for a treat as Steven Spielberg’s contemporary adaptation of an iconic film, which previously won 10 Oscars, will be broadcast entirely for free tonight (January 11).
The cherished musical West Side Story is set to grace screens on Channel 4 this evening at 9pm. For those unable to catch the live airing, the film is also available for streaming on Disney+.
Spielberg, a legendary filmmaker, had quite the legacy to honour with his version, following the original 1961 film’s impressive haul of ten Academy Awards from eleven nominations, including Best Picture.
Taking place in the 1950s New York City, the plot centres around the love story of Maria and Tony, entangled in the conflict between two feuding gangs battling for territory on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It stars Ansel Elgort, known for Baby Driver, and Rachel Zegler, seen in Shazam! as the ill-fated lovers.
Rachel Zegler stars as Maria
(Image: 20th Century Fox)
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They are joined by a talented supporting cast featuring Mike Faist from Challengers, Ariana DeBose of Kraven the Hunter and David Alvarez of American Rust.
Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the musical adapts its narrative and characters to deliver poignant commentary on contemporary issues such as gang violence, social injustice, and gentrification, reports the Daily Record.
The 2021 release was met with acclaim from both audiences and critics alike, securing a commendable 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics lauded the film, stating: “Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story presents a new look at the classic musical that lives up to its beloved forebear – and in some respects might even surpass it.”
Although Spielberg’s adaptation did not match the award-winning success of the 1960s original, the renowned director received a nomination for Best Achievement in Directing at the Oscars. The 2021 musical earned six additional nominations, including Best Picture, but Ariana DeBose was the sole winner, taking home the Best Supporting Actress award.
The story is inspired by Romeo and Juliet
(Image: Press Association Images)
Despite being overshadowed by its predecessor in terms of awards, fans hailed the modern retelling as a “masterpiece.” One enthusiast shared their glowing review online, stating: “Let’s get right to it-it is a knockout, a masterpiece, brilliant on every level. And to the question everyone will ask: is it equal to the original? In fact, I think it’s greater.”
On IMDB, viewers lavished the film with perfect ratings, with one reviewer gushing: “Utterly amazing. This movie just amazes me; there is talent within the choreography, the music, the scenes, the acting, the emotion, everything… I don’t want to spoil anything but it is really just Romeo and Juliet (you guys probably already knew that) but in the 1950s. Absolutely beautiful. Must watch.”
Another individual expressed their amazement, saying: “I’ve seen the original more times than I can count, and I’d heard this was good and worth seeing, but I was sceptical. O.M.G. Only Steve could have done it. This is incredible. It is utterly gobsmackingly mind-blowingly good.
“The sets, the cinematography, the lighting, the ambience, and then of course, cast and songs, all done with that slightly newish tangibility yet giving the all-pervasive sense of an era that was, with what happened then sadly still happening now.”
West Side Story is available to watch on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight (January 11) and can also be streamed via Disney+ at any time