There’s a fine line between love and hate, and director Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story’’ (2021) beautifully and intensely illustrates this dichotomy. This reimagination of the original 1961 movie sparks curiosity about how love can cause hatred and even result in death. The drastic consequences of hatred make the viewer realize that life is too short to hate people who differ from ourselves. 

“West Side Story” follows the general plot of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” consisting of two rival gangs of teenagers in New York: the Sharks and the Jets. The Jets are white Americans and the Sharks are immigrants from Puerto Rico. Their hatred for each other only escalates due to a blossoming romance between Maria, the sister of a Shark, and Tony, a Jet.

Maria and Tony are star-crossed lovers, who are caught in a territorial war between the Sharks and the Jets. Their love for one another becomes increasingly passionate and intense due to the nature of these blistering circumstances. This romance begs the question: to what extent will people go for love? Their romance is unrealistic, feverish, fiery and complicated. Nevertheless,  this complication draws the viewers in and makes their relationship increasingly relatable.

The competitive nature of the gangs leads to graphic violence, which may be scary for younger viewers. However, this violence is necessary as a reflection and commentary on the combative atmosphere of our world today. 

The movie has a range of lively musical numbers, one of which is the rousing “America,” which presents the Puerto Ricans’ experiences as immigrants. I also enjoyed “I Have a Love,” a devastating song that uses the power of music to convey the raw emotions that Maria and her friend, Anita, feel after finding out heartbreaking news. 

Another gripping song is “Tonight,” Spielberg’s take on the iconic balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet.” It is set on the fire escape of Maria’s apartment, illuminated by the moonlight. This romantic mood enables the viewer to get caught up in the moment as if they are truly a part of the story.

While the Jets have dirty, ripped outfits, the costume designer uses bright colors for the dresses of the Puerto Rican women to positively represent immigrants and bring a sense of light to the dark tone of the film. During the song “America,” Anita’s yellow dress, with a red underskirt, catches the viewer’s eye. This outfit further displays Anita’s excitement about the new opportunities in the country.

The clashes between the Jets and the Sharks in “West Side Story” caused by the romance between Maria and Tony lead to brutal injuries and ultimately death. The life-or-death stakes of “West Side Story” are effective in grabbing the viewer’s attention and bringing them to tears over the perilous impacts of the hatred between the gangs. 

I would definitely recommend going to the theater (with a mask on, of course) and watching “West Side Story.” It is a dramatic, beautifully directed movie that emphasizes the consequences of hate taking over love. Additionally, it tackles the current issues of poverty, sexual abuse, division and discrimination in the U.S. The mixture of excitement, devastation, humor and hatred adds dimension to the film, making it truly memorable.