Tonight, audiences are in for a treat as the modern Steven Spielberg adaptation of a much-acclaimed film, which scooped 10 Oscars, will be on TV.
Channel 4 is set to showcase the beloved musical West Side Story this evening (January 11) at 9pm. Additionally, cinephiles who can’t catch the live broadcast have the option to stream it on Disney+.
The legendary Spielberg undertook the immense task of filling the original version’s shoes, which, upon its release in 1961, secured ten Academy Awards from eleven nominations, including Best Picture.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York City, the narrative revolves around Maria and Tony, a couple whose love story becomes ensnared in the fierce rivalry between two gangs fighting for dominance on Manhattans Upper West Side.
The lead pair, portrayed by Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver) and Rachel Zegler (Shazam!), are joined by Mike Faist (Challengers), Ariana DeBose (Kraven the Hunter) and David Alvarez (American Rust) to form a compelling cast.
(Image: Press Association Images)
Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, this version provides a contemporary twist with characters and settings that address todays social issues, diving into topics such as gang violence, social injustice, and gentrification.
Debuting in 2021, Spielberg’s rendition won over audiences and critics alike, securing a stellar 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus lauded the film: “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.”
While Spielberg’s rendition didn’t quite match the acclaim of the 1960s classic, the esteemed director was nominated for the Best Achievement in Directing Oscar. The contemporary musical garnered six additional nominations, including one for Best Picture.
Ariana DeBose emerged as the sole victor, securing the Best Supporting Actress award, reports the Daily Record.
(Image: 20th Century Fox)
Despite the original film having a slight edge in terms of awards, the 2021 version has been hailed by fans as a “masterpiece.”
One viewer shared their opinion 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.”
Over on IMDB, the film received glowing reviews and perfect scores. One reviewer wrote: “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 surprise at the remake’s quality, 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 airs tonight (January 11) at 9pm on Channel 4
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