West Side Story 2021 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

West Side Story 2021

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spielberg's gorgeous, heartbreaking remake of the classic musical—stunning to watch but packs serious emotional punches with gang violence and tragedy.

91%

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West Side Story 2021

movie

PG-13, 2021

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spielberg's gorgeous, heartbreaking remake of the classic musical—stunning to watch but packs serious emotional punches with gang violence and tragedy.

91%

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Screenwise Verdict

Spielberg's West Side Story is genuinely beautiful filmmaking—the choreography, the cinematography, the performances are all top-tier. It's a respectful, culturally authentic remake that finds new life in a classic story.

But let's be clear: this is heavy. The gang violence is intense, the attempted rape scene is disturbing, and the ending is a gut-punch. This isn't Grease or even Hamilton—it's a tragedy about how prejudice and violence destroy young lives.

For the right teen (13+), especially those who love theater or are ready for emotionally complex stories, this is worth watching. It's beautiful, it's meaningful, and it will spark real conversations about racism, immigration, and tribalism. Just know what you're getting into—this musical has teeth.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle intense violence, attempted sexual assault, and tragic deaths. The PG-13 rating is earned—this isn't a light musical. Mature teens who appreciate theater, classic stories, or are studying Romeo and Juliet will get the most from it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Spielberg's remake models themes of love transcending prejudice and the destructive nature of hatred, with strong performances and emotional depth. However, the gang violence, implied sexual assault scene (Anita nearly raped by Jets), racial slurs, and tragic deaths create a heavy, often dark tone that's far from emotionally light. The film does show consequences of violence and prejudice, but the overall emotional landscape is intense and tragic rather than uplifting.

Imaginative

Spielberg brings stunning visual creativity to this classic—vibrant choreography, gorgeous cinematography of 1950s New York, and lush costume design. The musical numbers are inventive and energetic, practically leaping off screen. The decision to cast fully Latino actors for the Sharks and include untranslated Spanish dialogue adds authenticity and freshness. It's a reimagining that honors the original while finding new ways to tell the story visually and musically.

Safe

PG-13 for good reason—this has intense gang violence including fist fights, a shooting, and deaths; an attempted rape scene that's stopped but still disturbing; strong language including f-word substitutes and Spanish profanity; implied sex between Tony and Maria; and pervasive racial tension and slurs. These aren't surprise elements in a musical about gang warfare, but they're definitely not safe for younger viewers or those sensitive to violence and assault. The content is appropriate for the story being told, but it's legitimately heavy.

Enriching

This is a master class in filmmaking and musical theater—Spielberg's direction, Bernstein's iconic score, and the performances offer real artistic merit. The themes of prejudice, forbidden love, and the cyclical nature of violence are timely and provide rich ground for discussion about racism, immigration, and tribalism. The authentic casting and use of Spanish dialogue add cultural depth. It's emotionally complex and can build empathy and understanding of how hatred destroys communities. The tragedy has meaning and weight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visually stunning with energetic choreography and vibrant 1950s New York cinematography that practically leaps off screen
Authentic casting with fully Latino actors for the Sharks and untranslated Spanish dialogue adds cultural depth and freshness
Powerful themes about prejudice, forbidden love, and the destructive cycle of hatred—timely and discussion-worthy
Bernstein's iconic score performed beautifully—this is musical theater at its finest
Strong performances, especially Rachel Zegler's film debut as Maria

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What to Watch For

Intense gang violence including fist fights, a fatal shooting, and knife fights—not cartoonish, genuinely heavy
Attempted rape scene where Anita is attacked by the Jets before being stopped—brief but disturbing
Strong language including Spanish profanity and slurs, some f-word substitutes
Implied sex scene between Tony and Maria (they're shown getting out of bed)
The ending is tragic—main characters die, and it's emotionally gutting

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the Jets and Sharks hate each other so much? What keeps the cycle of revenge going?"
"How does prejudice against Puerto Ricans in the 1950s compare to what immigrants face today?"
"Tony and Maria fall in love despite their gangs being enemies—do you think love can really overcome that kind of hatred in real life?"
"What do you think about how the movie uses Spanish without subtitles? How does that change the experience?"
"The violence in this story destroys so many lives—what could have broken the cycle?"

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