Top 10 Differences Between West Side Story (2021) & (1961)

Same plot, same music, but there are a lost of differences between these two "West Side Stories." For this list, we’ll be stacking Steven Spielberg’s interpretation of the classic musical against its Best Picture-winning predecessor. Our countdown includes song order, more depth for Chino, the changing neighborhood, and more! Which version of "West Side Story" do YOU prefer? Let us know in the comments!
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#WestSideStory #Musical #StevenSpielberg #StephenSondheim #Broadway

[@MsMojo]

Have you seen the new West Side Story yet? What were your thoughts? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHPQf2SJj7Nsgas about the Story of West Side Story: From Stage to Screen!

[@trinaq]

Not yet, but I'm hoping to see it next weekend, since I'm a huge fan of the stage show and 1961 film!

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

Even just the fleshing out of Anybodys would have sold the remake in my book. I think it speaks to the quality of the acting that you can just tell Anybodys has been through some scary shit.

[@tonyyoung3985]

I love the fact that Spielberg and Kushner "fixed" the song Maria by having other Maria's show up. All because some comedian made a joke about the impossibility of shouting "Maria!" in a Puerto Rican neighborhood and only ONE girl shows up.

[@forrestdupre87]

Top 10 things The Man Who Invented Christmas got right

[@paulafitzhenry1036]

i perfer this one over the original, i feel that and as much i loved Natale Wood, she portrayed her as week, this Maria was much stronger. I loved all the changes, especially making the gang violence more realistic. Gang life in real life ain't pretty

[@swikarkalden]

The scene in the 2021 edition where Anita is harassed at Doc's drug store and how the Jet girls leaped to her defense and wanted to save her from harm was immensely powerful in my opinion.

[@mariapricola781]

My heart skipped at that scene

[@AA-mz3ig]

Loved how even though they hated her, they hated to see another girl raped. It wasn't harassment they were trying to portray. It was rape.

[@melissaarchibald6587]

I also loved that Valentina didn't dance around it; she called them rapists and made them feel ashamed.

[@helenwood3199]

@@melissaarchibald6587 Yes, Valentina pulled them apart by the roots of their hair, never mind her frailty and age.

[@VidWatcher01]

Yes I agree 💯!! The scene in the original always made me feel uncomfortable but in this new version it made me feels 10 kinds of chills. No woman should experience something as cruel & violating as rape & Riff's girlfriend knew that & went out of her way to try to help Anita. She & her friends were able to put aside their hatred to try save Anita. I was so glad Valentina not only saved Anita but she called out the surviving Jets for being attempted rapists.

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

What struck me was that with the added details about Tony's background, Riff buying the gun, and Chino generally being a peaceful guy, the remake seemed to lean more into the dramatic irony of it all, and given the source material of Romeo and Juliet, I think it worked.

[@dchang11]

You understand the characters a lot better. In earlier renditions, you get an idea of things, but it's not explored. I always thought Bernardo was a boxer. George Chakiris fighting style and choreography resembled one. His body language with his second in command indicated he was the cornerman.

[@alisonmadden6471]

Me too. I re watched the original movie production. And it did make one reference to Tony having been upstate but not the added stuff. I loved it. I loved Maria not having the parents there and also the gun and cool 😎 being sung in connection with that. The whole production was amazing.

[@Cece46654]

In 1961 movie Riff says about Tony"Remember them fists the day we clobbered the Emeralds?" so it does hint at Tony being a strong fighter. I'm going to imagine that was the fight that got him locked up. 😊

[@yearight5303]

Its racist.

[@nr7701]

@@alisonmadden6471 Maria has a dad, you even hear his voice calling her inside during Tonight.

[@scottsummers4234]

I love that they gave a substantial role for Rita Moreno.

[@dchang11]

Rita's presence kind of reminds me of Gloria Stuart in Titanic. When she sang 'Somewhere', she almost turns into Anita in 2021. If Rita needs a proper send-off role, this is probably it. It's like Sean Connery in the Rock.

[@bloochoob]

My dad asked my mum on a date because ‘she looked like Rita Moreno in West Side Story’ , she was 18 then, she’s 75 now and still looks like her!

[@FirewindII]

@@dchang11 Or giving Colm Wilkinson the bishop in Les Miserables.

[@BriteFrog]

Rita Moreno was the Executive Producer in the 2021 version.

[@manuelorozco7760]

That’s what got me hyped for the remake in the first place.

[@trinaq]

I really love how many characters' back stories were expanded upon, especially Tony's time in prison having caused him to distance himself from the Jets, which is more realistic than simply growing bored with the gang.

[@chyla1]

Completely agree. I liked the character development- especially Riff’s.

[@12harrypotterfan34]

Agreed. The characters were much more empathetic in this version.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

@Loper Cindy Excuse you, but WSS has ALWAYS been woke.

[@perfectsplit5515]

"Tony's time in prison having caused him to distance himself from the Jets" I think that Tony's desire to reform himself established him as a "good guy". The fact that he was an ex-con on parole meant that once he killed Bernardo, he was doomed. Once the cops apprehended him, he would be locked up forever, with no chance of being with Maria. Either that or be a fugitive on the run forever, with no chance of living a normal life.

[@perfectsplit5515]

@Loper Cindy I know that WND criticized the remake as a woke portrayal, but I could not see the "wokeness" of it. How was it "woke"?

[@sarahbateman8217]

I am OBSESSED with how they changed Doc's character around to his widower. And the way that they got Rita Moreno to play her. And she has some of the most impactful lines. And the WAY that they had her sing "Somewhere" instead of Maria and Tony (which always felt off in the original). Giving that song to a Puerto Rican woman who was also in love with Caucasian man opened up the meaning to not just be for Maria and Tony, but for everyone stuck in the terrible experiences of the movie, and most importantly, it became more about the experience immigrating to America and the heartbreak of chasing the American dream. Absolutely BRILLIANT reimagining.

[@t5l239]

I loved her singing it too. It was very moving.

[@rudolphlautner9218]

My friend and I were sobbing when she sang it. Highlight of the movie

[@visitken]

Agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY! If you're going to do a remake, this is the way to do it!

[@julianadamico4702]

Sarah -----Puerto Ricans ARE Caucasian

[@julianadamico4702]

@@t5l239 ----- who's singing ?

[@renren123451]

Valentina is the one that really tops it off. The Jets are able to treat a Puerto Rican person with respect, why can't they treat the Shark gang and Anita the same too? In the 1961 film, Doc said the Jets make the world lousy, and the Jets said the world is already lousy...they didn't make it. While Valentina said, "you dishonor yourself". This is kind of a big shift in approach that the Jets /could/ make the choices, rather than succumbing to their unfortunate child/teenagehood.

[@renren123451]

Anita refusing Valentina's help, calling her a traitor for "raising pigs" is also very heartbreaking. Valentina knows that she could not turn her back away from the Jets when they needed help, but she also knows that Anita, and any woman, never deserves to be treated like that.

[@punkwrestle]

@@renren123451 Valentina said it best they turned into rapist.

[@perfectsplit5515]

What exactly was the relationship between Valentina and the Jets? She seemed to be a legal guardian to Tony. What was her relationship to the other Jets? Was she something of a mentor to them?

[@smokingbrush2498]

@@perfectsplit5515 If Spielberg had REALLY gone for realism, she would have been paying the Jets protection money to prevent them torching her property! Where does realism end? Does it actually have a place in a 'musical' anyway? When was the last time you saw a gang of thugs singing in tune while dancing down the street?

[@julianadamico4702]

Valentina was woke

[@JohnHoulgate]

I was very impressed with how they put Chino through a transformation. He started out as a shy, nebbish kind of character who showed at the dance that he had a wild side. Then at the Rumble when he picked up Riff's gun, off came the glasses and Chino became a very different man. He wasn't somebody who just had a gun and went looking for Tony. He was a certain kind of character, mild, shy, peaceful then he changed and became someone capable of murder. Well done!

[@squilliamfancy]

i agree i found chino so much more interesting here and i'm surprised not as many people are talking about that

[@chgem.2658]

Somehow Chino adores, even loves Bernardo. He has no eyes for Maria. Am I wrong?

[@JohnHoulgate]

@@chgem.2658 I wouldn't read any homo-eroticism into Chino's and Bernardo's friendship if that's what you are hinting at. Like Bernardo, Chino is a transplant, but unlike Bernardo he's socially awkward and needs help navigating life in this strange place called New York City. In the '61 movie, Chino declares he's an assistant, suggesting he does some kind of clerical work. This is expanded in the new movie where he's an accountant. The new Bernardo is a boxer, a prize fighter perhaps. Therefore, it's not a big leap to suggest that Bernardo has Chino pegged to look after his financial interests going forward. In return, Bernardo sets Chino up to marry Maria, thus keeping Chino close and as family. In this arrangement Chino gets to marry a beautiful young Puerto Rican woman, the sister of the man who's tying their futures together. Notice that in the new movie, Benardo doesn't want Chino to be a member of the Sharks. He has other plans for him and keeping him safe is part of that. In the '61 movie Chino first appears in the Prologue baiting the Jets to chase him. Chino here is already a Shark, though he's positioned to become Maria's husband. So, in the new movie, everything that was stable and certain about his life vanished with Bernardo getting killed at the Rumble. Sadly enough, Bernardo was killed by the man who the woman Chino was promised to, had fallen in love with. In the first movie we learn second hand through Anita that Chino had become enraged by Tony killing Bernardo and intended to kill him. We don't see much in the way of his transition. In the new movie we see that transition where he takes off his glasses, threatens other Sharks for trying to stop him. This is a HUGE part of the story and not many are talking about it.

[@annabellevy3388]

Chino was more interesting and also IMO the biggest villain of the film. He killed Tony in part because he was pissed off that Maria wasn't interested in him. That's what I saw.

[@chgem.2658]

@@JohnHoulgate Thanks, actually I' ve thought Chino is gay. In this movie.

[@francisduarte8120]

I would’ve loved to see Naya Rivera replaying the role of Anita because of her voice! But having an ACTUAL afro latina is such a satisfactory feeling that we can’t just ignore so easily!

[@vb7360]

rest in peace naya :(

[@thalialawson103]

I absolutely love Anita DeBose as Anita and can’t imagine anyone else, but unless I’m mistaken, Naya was Afro Latina? Not to be rude or start anything, I was just curious

[@l154479reserve]

@@thalialawson103 Yes

[@MyAngelina123]

We'll always have the Glee episode where she was Anita ❤️💙

[@EmsPlace1]

Rachel is absolutely amazing. The voice of an angel. You’d never know it was her first ever film that she landed before even graduating high school.

[@helenwood3199]

Rachel's billing in the credits do not reflect her place in the cast. She deserved better billing. Are you listening, agent?

[@melvynobrien6193]

She can't match MARNIE NIXON.

[@EmsPlace1]

@@melvynobrien6193 oh there is no comparison for both of them! Both are very talented and I would never pit two strong talented women against eachother 😁 although for the sake of the part Rachel is Hispanic, Marnie is Russian. Again both extremely talented, and Marnie played the roll like no other in a brilliant way, but casting for the original movie was not accurate unfortunately.

[@EmsPlace1]

@@helenwood3199 she is going to be the live action Disney Snow White! 😊 and a big roll in the next Shazam movie.

[@helenwood3199]

@@EmsPlace1 Marnie sang Maria's songs off camera while Natalie Wood acted the role.

[@jrlexjr]

I am 74-years-old. The 1961 movie is part of my DNA, and the hairs on my neck still prickle when I hear the opening three-note whistle. The first ten-minutes of that movie was a life-changing experience. I have seen high school and community versions, and the Broadway remake with Karen Olivo. I have even seen Gustavo Dudamel conduct the Philadelphia Pops in "Dance at the Gym" and shouted "Mambo!" at the appropriate time. I did not know what to expect from the new movie. I loved it. Is it as good as the original? Tough call, since the original was so groundbreaking, especially with its choreography. I want to see this version again. So far I would put "America" and "Gee Officer Krupke" above the original. I have not yet decided about "Somewhere" and "Dance at the Gym." And as much as I love Natalie Wood, Rachel Zegler is a monster actor and singer. Of course, Rita Moreno is a national treasure. Thank you, Steven Spielberg, for taking on this project. Thank you for using Latino actors in the appropriate roles. And thank you for making "West Side Story" available to an entirely new generation of theater goers.

[@LoriCiani]

Of course you know that in the original movie, Natalie Wood's voice was dubed on the songs. I think it was Marnie Nixon that provided the singing voice.

[@olly-kai]

@@LoriCiani yup, it was Marnie.

[@tarakennedy707]

I love Natalie Wood but always questioned that casting choice as she isn't Hispanic. I guess back then no one thought about it.

[@_ItsOnlyMe]

What a great review! Thanks for posting it, I enjoyed reading it.

[@joangibb7480]

I'm also 74. I went to see the original with some of my friends from school. We walked to the Cort Theater and danced as we walked back home. We all tried to do the Bernardo iconic leg in the air move. Yesterday I saw it with my daughter. She has also seen the original. We both loved it. I had a hard time just walking up and down the stairs to our seats. I waited for that whistle at the beginning and there it was. Loved the old cars. These actors were more appropriate. But George Chakiris was so mesmerizing in the original. His big hair and sharp features stood out and I found myself watching him more than the ensemble. I think in the original when they went into the gym there was more of an explosion of sound, music, and color. A real POP! The new one is more gritty. I think officer Krupkie was in the original scene and not in the new one. I missed his reactions. But these voices are gorgeous. And those rhythms.

[@Mr_brut3]

I watched it with my 11 year old daughter to my surprise she put away her tablet and was glued to the screen, enjoyed every bit of it and cried when they took tony ! In the end she asked me why did it end so sad and wanted to know if there was more or did they saved him 😔 .. She loved it and so did I .... It was a special moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life ...

[@user-hj1hk7lq4d]

Aww 😭

[@ashleylynn9333]

I hope you told her that they saved Tony!👍

[@sleepylionking1103]

They actually had Hispanic ppl play Puerto Ricans! As a Puerto Rican, the new movie makes me unbelievably happy.

[@trinaq]

Me too, as a child, I didn't realise that they cast white actors as Hispanic characters, using Brownface makeup and broad accents. Now, it's more apparent, and a little Cringy.

[@richardperaza5083]

Except for Anita's actress she was I believe the only Hispanic actress

[@alfredoalcantar8691]

@@trinaq and they still use white people

[@lonellfletcher]

@@alfredoalcantar8691 who? What Latin part was played by a white person in this film?

[@belmarshall9103]

@@lonellfletcher literally every single puerto rican main character other than anita was played by someone not of spanish descent in the 1961 version. and they all wore brown makeup. they even made rita moreno, who played anita, wear brown makeup even though she was the only actual puerto rican.

[@muslit]

Two big differences that are not mentioned in the video: 1. all of the singing roles in the new film are the voices of the actors, whereas Tony and Maria were dubbed in the earlier film (except for Anita and Bernardo); 2. there is noticeably less dancing in Spielberg's film - in the '61 film the entire prolog is set to dance, whereas in the new film only the music is used.

[@joneshugh]

Y mean, no dance fight?? Darn :/

[@richardperhai8292]

Even Anita was partially dubbed in "A Boy Like That" (parts were too low for her)

[@perfectsplit5515]

Actually, watching the remake just made me think that Latin dancing is probably the best thing to come from the Latin-American world. I remember that the Dancing with the Stars instructional DVD taught 6 types of Latin dance.

[@johnmolina3284]

@Loper Cindy Comercially, maybe.

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

Biggest mistake in new version is giving the song “Somewhere” to Anita. This song belongs to Maria & Tony & always will. Big mistake by Mr Spielberg

[@eddiejoewalt7746]

#1 big Differences Between West Side Story (2021) & (1961) HAVING REAL LATINOS PLAYING LATINOS CHARACTERS!

[@richardperaza5083]

That right there is the best change

[@williecampbell1395]

I prefer the orginal version. The soundtrack and choreography was ground breaking in 1961. I saw it on an extra large screen with my parents and I was mesmerized. My children and grandchildren know this is my favorite movie. Steven Spielberg did a excellent job but the orginal will always be my favorite.

[@kcorpora1]

I agree!

[@devilusadvocatias]

I can appreciate both. There's lots to love in both versions.

[@216bernardo]

For me i prefer: 1961. 2021: too much violence, sound too much high..

[@marknewton6984]

I prefer the Original!

[@SandraG0402]

Loved the new version, but the original will always be my favorite. I actually didn't like the placement of the "I Feel Pretty" number. I couldn't stop thinking about what had just gone down the scene before. Took away from the joy of the IFP scene. Also, nothing beats the emotion in the ending of the original. Natalie Wood was spectacular! She breaks my heart every single time. I want to give a shout-out and thank Spielberg for making a film that actually made me want to go back to the movie theater. I really missed it.

[@user-dg8iu2nx1q]

I didn't see this remake yet, but "I Feel Pretty" comes after the Rumble in the original Broadway show; the lyrics were "I feel pretty and witty and bright / And I pity any girl who isn't me tonight." In the 1961 film, the song was shifted to before the Rumble, and the lyrics were changed to "I feel pretty and witty and gay / And I pity any girl who isn't me today."

[@SandraG0402]

@@user-dg8iu2nx1q Thanks for that information. I never saw the Broadway version so I only knew of the second lyric you posted. I just liked the way the original film placed the IFP scene because I was able to enjoy the song and performance. In this new version they could've been singing Jingle Bells and I wouldn't have noticed. My mind was not in that moment because of the scene before.

[@nancytisdall5168]

I read somewhere that Marni Nixon also dubbed Natalie Wood's reading of the line "don't you touch him!"

[@serenitysfirefly]

@@nancytisdall5168 That would make sense! I always found something off about the audio in that line. It probably wasn't layered cleanly.

[@adlegacy56]

@@user-dg8iu2nx1q "I Feel Pretty" does come after the Rumble in the original Broadway show. As a side note, both Bernstein and Sondheim were told an upbeat song was needed after the Rumble. Both Bernstein and Sondheim hated the song and felt it had no place in West Side Story, but the Producers and Robbins over ruled them on the decision. Sondheim had also suggested to Spielberg to lose the song, but Spielberg decided to keep it.

[@jonnarobinson7541]

Shout outs to some of the 1961 actors. Elliot Feld as Baby John Rita Moreno as Anita George Chakaris as Bernardo Russ Tamblyn as Riff All fabulous dancers from 1961! Never forget them!

[@savage_skirt5386]

Love George Chakiris --- great dancer, beautiful man

[@kevinbailey8827]

And Bobby Banas!

[@johnpjones182]

Elaine Joyce, widow of Bobby Van & Neil Simon, is also in there somewhere as Hotsie(?).

[@joannbaca153]

And Tucker Smith as Ice.

[@jackrivera8119]

These new dancers didn't cut it, especially the dance at the gym

[@iGuy2007]

Not only did Steven Spielberg do a great job at directing this newly remade film, but he now finally accomplished his dream to remake one of these older musicals.

[@trinaq]

Precisely, a rare case of the remake arguably being just as enjoyable and stronger than the original. Spielberg really should try his hand at more musicals in the future! 🔮

[@alfredoalcantar8691]

It was garbage

[@jenniferwise8515]

@@alfredoalcantar8691 did you watch it?

[@shastapearce7668]

​@@trinaq Well hearing impaired won't enjoy the new film because Spielberg refused to sub the Spanish lines in the movie. So I guess that group of people are less than human to him. Way to go.

[@kookamunga4714]

@@shastapearce7668 So if it was subbed then the deaf would only know what the spanish lines were? or in the closed captioned version they would only know what the english speakers were saying. just like the rest of us nonspanish speakers. real question: what the hell are you talking about?

[@sianbennett-rodgers]

The fleshing out of Bernardo and Riff in particular has paid dividends. It gave two very talented actors a bit more to get their teeth into. They both have their place in cinema history and are both products of their time

[@mickeymouse2able]

I so love Rita Moreno. She's a National Treasure. I wonder if someone will make a movie on her life. That will be something.

[@annakubitz]

There’s a documentary about her on Netflix now! It’s wonderful!

[@colleen4ever]

If you heard her recent speech you might think differently.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@annakubitz I saw it on PBS

[@bjax211]

As a pretty much lifelong fan of WSS (age 5 now 37), the ‘61 version will forever have place in my heart. Though, having just recently seen the remake it blew the doors off of my expectations!! The changes mentioned I had no problems with, but the cultural accuracy is what I was most happy about. This, along with the fleshed out backstories, made everything feel more authentic, real and believable! Great job all around!

[@NicLaue]

I totally agree with you, this was a great remake. Am I only person who's kind of annoyed at all the negative press this movie's been getting for what seems like no reason?

[@1922BluePhoenix]

it sucked

[@samanthak9078]

Same! It was incredible and I was so hesitant to see it, but it's SO good!

[@NicLaue]

@Loper Cindy love the original, still worth seeing the new one before making up your mind. It's a very faithful movie to the original.

[@Orlanzepol123]

@Loper Cindy it was a box office flop but they say the covid 19 epidemic could’ve been a factor. Others feel it was Tony’s lack of charisma . However it’s given high ratings by IMDb. I don’t watch a movie if it scores below 6.2/10 by IMDb. WSS Scored *7.8/10* . I’ve yet to see a movie with a rating of 8.1 by IMBd.

[@NotSorry97]

I just watched the remake it as it arrived on Disney+. Even though there were a few changes, Spielberg’s vision really captured the essence of the original. The casting is fantastic, the musical numbers are phenomenal, the cinematography is breathtaking. I absolutely enjoyed it!

[@snakeeyes2551]

I also watched the remake today with my nephew and it was entertaining. I danced along to most of the songs. WEST SIDE STORY is amazing.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I waited until Disney Plus too. I couldn’t agree more

[@sadem1045]

Apparently, there were a lot of people who disliked the 2021 version so much they left the theater. This was even something I witnessed and if the people I saw really left because of something in the film then that was just silly. I also heard that people really disliked the fact that there were no subtitles during the Spanish speaking parts (something I actually appreciated because it somehow felt more authentic).

[@kenoliver8913]

Musically the 2021 version is not a patch on the 1961 version. But in every other respect it is at least as good and in many ways better (especially the back characters being fleshed out). The choreography is fantastic in both. Though of course the dialogue in neither can match Shakespeare's.

[@julianadamico4702]

I tried to use my high school Spanish to understand the Spanish spoken words..

[@angelomordini6779]

Idk they could of easily had subtitles there’s actually a lot of conversation that miss big information because of the lack of subtitles- it’s not disrespectful to have subtitles

[@medborgare123]

I can understand why, some parts where kind of boring and musically was not that good, i mean, the movie is not bad, but isn't great either

[@robertgiles9124]

America is full of idiots now who cannot appreciate how great the new West Side Story is. It's a masterpiece.

[@awkwardcupcake3395]

I thought Riff's characterization added such an important layer to the story. It becomes clearer that this is a story about children, young adults pretending to be big and tough when really terrified. In so many ways thoughtout the movie, we see society fail them. And in the end, their fits of lashing out lead to multiple lives ruined and ended. A deeper tragedy than the original.

[@ThePurplePandaJW18]

One of the changes I liked…. Spoilers ahead if you haven’t watched the film yet…… The Jet girls don’t stand by and watch Anita get attacked….. they try to help her despite disliking her….. I loved that addition, Bravo Spielberg!!!!

[@chyla1]

Yes! Great observation! Appreciated that show of solidarity in this version!

[@Lola.185]

WORST PART OF THE FILM ACTUALLY

[@ThePurplePandaJW18]

@@Lola.185 I know it’s a horrible part of the film but I’m talking about the way it was shot. You don’t get a lot of proper representation when it comes to scenes like that and most of the time, it’s slightly sugarcoated so as not to offend anyone. It’s what made it an emotionally raw, powerful moment that was well acted by everyone!

[@NerythDaryela]

I really appreciated that subtitles weren’t added when the characters spoke spanish, idk how to describe it, I felt like I wasn’t an outsider in a way.

[@huntrrams]

I agree it feels more immersive and more like being in a multiracial community where you will hear different languages.

[@NerythDaryela]

@@huntrrams Exactly!! I really enjoyed it

[@kelisabeth3952]

Thought it was just our cinema! I’m thankful I know a little bit of Spanish lol because otherwise I would be a bit lost

[@johnpjones182]

John Huston did the same thing with the bandidos in Treasure of the Sierra Madre".

[@rainbowsandlove]

I loved it! I’m Irish, but grew up speaking Spanish as what I can only describe as a second language,we spent our summers in Spain, and I just took to the language and culture (I am categorically *not* trying to say I am in any way Hispanic, I just love the country and the language!) so I loved listening to the use of Spanish in the movie, not translated incorrectly by subtitles. It was the emotion with which it was spoken that struck me so much…!

[@kennedi0267]

I just got back from the theater. I am completely blown away. As someone who is a fan of the 1961 version I have been so excited for this version. It did not disappoint. The cinematography, the music, the cast. Everyone understood the assignment. I cried like a baby. The film was phenomenal!

[@lesleycooper7544]

Loved it xxx

[@melvynobrien6193]

Too much reverb on the orchestra, or it was recorded in a big room; the music isn't as powerful as the original, and no one can match the singing of MARNIE NIXON.

[@kennedi0267]

@@melvynobrien6193 I said what I said.

[@jackrivera8119]

have you sobered up yet?

[@blanchefan]

I've loved the original 1961 version virtually all my life; it's a masterpiece. And now I love the new version--it's incredible. I'm just happy and grateful that Spielberg and and everyone--actors, screenwriter Tony Kushner, choreographer Justin Peck, the music director and conductor--EVERYONE connected with the new version was committed heart and soul to doing something extraordinary--and they did. :)

[@kelisabeth3952]

And it’s keeping the classic alive! I am an example of that - I saw it yesterday in the cinema cus of a whim. It almost felt disrespectful of me to not have seen the original after I saw it, and now it’s woken an interest to look into the source material :)

[@gljm]

When the original was made they were actually tearing down a neighborhood, i.e. "Lincoln Square", located on the westside of Manhattan. it was a tenement neighborhood that was torn down to make way for what is now "Lincoln Center" . In fact they delayed the construction of Lincoln Center so that the movie could be shot there.

[@cassaleelee]

Interesting!

[@adlegacy56]

Actually, West Side Story always took place in 1957 (stage and film version) and the fact that 10 blocks was being torn down for new apartment buildings and the Lincoln Centre, displacing the Latino community along with people of other various ethnicities including white people was a deciding factor in the development of the play. Originally, the musical was called East Side Story, but the circumstances of gentrification happening in the late 1950's in the West Side changed the development of the play significantly.

[@dianelipartito6654]

@@adlegacy56 It was originally called "East Side Story" because the original idea was for it to be about a societal clash between Jews and Catholics on the Lower East Side.

[@gmd622]

I saw West Side Story last night and loved loved loved it! The music and dancing brought me back to the classic one! It was so nice to see that Speilberg for the most part stuck to the script. Good job! I especially loved Ansel Elgort who played Tony! 🥰

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

ME TOO!!!

[@luisgomez1211]

I am 72 years old and since 1961 I have seen the movie west side story and I never get tired of seeing it, to this current date, I still see it and I do not want to see the other new version, because it can spoil the impression, that I have of the first, which was and is fabulously spectacular...

[@billbrimmer1739]

It won spoil anything sir. You will enjoy the new version and have your positive memories of the first. By the way we are contemporaries.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@billbrimmer1739 I’m a bit of a contemporary too. Although I’m 29

[@wesperloves]

can we please talk about how AMAZING mike is in this movie (and ben cook though he had like a total of 7 lines)

[@2TactTV]

HEY TRASH!

[@Hot4stockchick]

My daughter and I saw this tonight. She played Maria in a local production of West Side Story. We loved it and felt all of the changes made it much more realistic. We absolutely loved that they introduced Rita Moreno, Doc’s widow, as Tony’s mentor and that she sang. Have to say we were in tears for most of the movie while engrossed in the fabulous production and reminiscing the time my daughter got to play Maria.

[@manuelorozco7760]

You must be proud for her daughter to be part of a legacy in her own way

[@rstash1]

I'm 81. In 1961 I was stationed in Asia training Montagnards with some French troops for what we anticipated would be a walk in the park. Stayed for a while. Saw this in a Japanese theater on the Ginza during a break. Made my hair stand up. Two years before I was leaving high school and a "West Side world" of my own in Los Angeles. The old movie is a part of that whole period of time. We had gang fights in the "bean fields" pretty much like the ones in that movie with warlords and everything. I would pick it as my first choice because I knew Russ Tamblyn and the movie struck a nerve. A 20-year old kid far from home seeing this movie with Japanese subtitles. But this new version is a better movie. Spielberg, after all. The new Maria has a better voice. Both movies are great, but the 1961 version has roots deep in my soul. If it wasn't for that, I'd probably pick the new one. But, Rita Moreno? Still at the top.

[@catriniasmith4833]

I loved the updated version. When it came to other ethnic characters in movies of that time. They were never played by that person. Indians were stereotyped and so were African Americans. Have Rita Romero as executive producer helped to bring in real Latino actors. Giving realistic views of the lifestyle of the people. Not stereotypes. I thought that was very important. Loved the movie very much.

[@melvynobrien6193]

A TRULY WOKE OPINION.

[@filmgirlLisa]

So many movies are going to suffer because people need the actors to mirror the characters as much as possible.

[@browncoatkevin]

I hope it leads to increased diversity in casting, letting talent of all shades flourish. Hearing Rita was exec-producing this film caused me to feel hopeful that her experiences with the original could only lead to a better end product, and seeing the film proved me right in the best way possible. Best of all, being a different view of the same story doesn't diminish the celebrated original: it creates a parallel that can sit alongside it as a realistic film next to one filmed with the flair of the theater. Rita as Anita was exquisite, and Ariana DeBose as Anita hit the same very high bar.

[@catriniasmith4833]

@@Mia-vm6pl I think you missed the whole point. Big star or not, . We are in a different time and we need diversity. So today Hispanics can play the Hispanic not white people. I'm glad Rita was here to be in this Historical moment. Anita is a beautiful character to play. I've even seen it in a play. Wonderful cast. Also Rita is a big star also who went on to do great things. She is Puerto Rican 🇵🇷. Movies were scars for other ethnic people and their rolls were stereotyped. These movies at times were classic. Who doesn't love The King and I with Yul Brynor. But if times were different someone of that race would have played the King. Some movies are not about color but whites play those characters. Denzel was nominated for Macbeth. We need to explore different characters.

[@manuelorozco7760]

One of many ways the remake justified itself

[@haydenlipczenko8839]

In the novel adaptation of the 1961 West Side Story Riff's surname is Lorton, Tony's is Wyzek, and Maria and Bernardo's is Nunez.

[@shelleygreen7009]

I loved every minute of this movie and I've seen it twice now. The relationship between Tony and Maria felt authentic (unlike in '61 where it was just cheesy!) I just loved Riff, played as a broken boy who thought he was worthless. Anita was breathtaking. What a spectacular character. So full of love and passion and hope but ultimately so hurt and angry. I loved the violence (not something I'd normally say!) but their world felt dangerous and the tragedies felt like they has real consequences. These were boys playing games that got wildly out of hand, destroying the dreams of all those around them. But mostly I loved how it helped to explain a Trumpian world of people who felt they didn't fit, not could they understand the way the world was changing. Gorgeous, glorious, amazing.

[@t5l239]

Yeah I agree with you on Tony and Maria. It was very real, at times awkward but full of hope for the future. If you ever been around Stupid teenagers Falling In Love it felt like that.

[@nehsangbong7259]

Breakout stars of this movie, Faist, Alvarez, and Debose and even Moreno the popular Anita. Although Moreno will always be Anita, Debose nailed her role as Anita. I mean, NAILED it.

[@alfredoalcantar8691]

Not s pure Puerto Rican

[@nehsangbong7259]

@@alfredoalcantar8691 she's still Puerto Rican. And not all the Latino actors were pure Puerto Rican or even Puerto Rican at all for that matter. Rachel is half Colombian. Alvarez is Cuban. But they played tf out of their roles well and there was still latino representation and inclusion unlike the OG movie that had yt actors in brownface.

[@perfectsplit5515]

@@alfredoalcantar8691 In real life many Hispanics look white and are indistinguishable from whites based purely on appearance. I don't know how anyone call tell if someone if pure Puerto Rican, half-Puerto Rican, non-Puerto Rican Hispanic, or just white based only on looking at them.

[@annabellevy3388]

I thought Rachel was incredible too.

[@nehsangbong7259]

@@perfectsplit5515 really? To me a lot of them are distinguishable as well. Especially the mestizo ones since a lot of Latinos have native American/ Indigenous Indian blood. Puerto Ricans Especially have Taino ancestry just like Dominicans. Yes a lot do look Caucasian but a good majority look mestizo. Someone like Jennifer Lopez for example, she can pass for white even though She's not. She's mestizo but she also has a little African, maybe even north African. You can tell by her body type (not to say non Africans can't have guitar bodies) but then you have Rosario Dawson, David Blaine, Justina Machado, etc who are not so much white passing.

[@miap]

I thought the chemistry between the new Maria and Tony fell flat. In the original it really felt like they were madly in love.

[@drieuxkoeppel4157]

FYI. Rita Moreno is 90 years old!

[@bronxsportsfan]

Can Rita Moreno win another Oscar for her role as Valentina (a supporting role this time, compared to her lead actress in 1961) in the 2021 version of West Side Story?

[@-exoticuser-7170]

OMG REALLY?!! SHE WAS SUCH A GOOD ACTRESS AND SINGER!! LIKE HOW?

[@herminadepagan3407]

As a Puerto Rican girl growing up in NY, my father did not allow me to watch the original movie. I knew the songs and was in my high school production but Dad hated the original because it subtly made the Sharks (Tiburons) the over entitled villains. Since I didn’t see the movie until I was in my 40’s, I was able to see the strong differences in the movies. As for the original movie, the reason that most of the main cast was white people with brown shoe Polish on their faces was that the Hayes codes were still in effect. Heck in the southern states their were still anti-miscendry laws the prevented mixed relationships. So because of this, if they cast an actual Hispanic woman as Maria, they could not show Tony and her kissing or holding hands and still be shown in the south.

[@chyla1]

Appreciate your comment!

[@josephsu9574]

The Spielberg production is a considerable improvement over the 1961 production in my opinion. Not only does the cast diversity add to the authenticity of the story, but the characters' backstories are fleshed out, adding their depths. The fight scenes are much less choreographic but more realistic, blurring the line between the musical and the theatrical film. What impresses me in particular is that Somewhere is sung by Valentina rather than by Tony and Maria, giving it a much more clear-eyed, experienced point of view. The arrangement also reveals a statement about the racial hatred that is still threatening to tear apart the USA well into the 21st century.

[@jackrivera8119]

Total destroyed two of the best numbers...... Cool, and America, oh, add the dance at the gym also

[@toilopez69]

I absolutely loved everything that they did in the new version of this beautiful musical. I love that they cast actual actors who were true to the story. I loved the costumes, the sets, the cinematography, the actors were amazing. I also love that they didn't include subtitles. It reminded me of I Love Lucy a bit because whenever Ricky would get mad and start to rant off in spanish, no way would a translation ever do justice to those be rants. Just give them all the Oscars. Don't even bother announcing the others who were nominated. I hope Rita gets best supporting role and wins it.

[@merribellewharton938]

Yes, the no subtitles also reminded me of I Love Lucy! Anyway, I absolutely loved the movie!

[@huntrrams]

I actually liked it without the subtitles because it reminds me of my immigrant parents who will speak English to me and the mother tongue in front of my siblings and I when they wanted to change the topic. I was like the Americans I didn’t know a single word they meant yet I felt their emotion.

[@toilopez69]

@@huntrrams in Highschool, my friends and I would do the Spanglish thing without realizing it and one of our teachers one time said that he found it remarkable how we could have an entire conversation going back and forth like that. But the only reason why we did so was because there certain expressions that don't translate right or words that convey a better understanding in o e language than the other. But i feel like if you are a child of immigrant parents (of any country) you are always going back and forth. Mine is spanish and english, for another person in t could be russian and english or Italian and English, etc. So i like that Steven Spielberg did the no subtitles route because you may not understand 100% what they are saying but you can tell with their bodies what they are feeling.

[@toilopez69]

@@merribellewharton938 best musical of the year. I would say best movie but there have been some great movies this year and this movie falls right in my top five.

[@merribellewharton938]

@@toilopez69 absolutely!

[@pawlee77]

Thank you for covering this.

[@aspiretoinspire9679]

Neither was based on a real-life person just what the creators knew around them in New York City. The girl was to be a recent Jewish immigrant from Israel and the boy an Italian Catholic, with the drama unfolding in the Lower East Side during the Easter-Passover season😄😄😄

[@ramonamilawaterfall3361]

Who’s it by? Where can I find it?

[@jondavwal13]

It's a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. Hello.

[@jasminealex7212]

That, actually would have been good

[@joejoe5673]

I could watch Chino dancing at the school dance and never grow tired of it. He was so adorable in the remake lol!☺

[@olvialee7221]

To be honest, I love both. It’s hard to choose

[@syvhne]

1961 hands down!

[@fredmila]

I am Latin and Natalie Wood, Russian as she was, cannot be replaced as Maria by anyone.

[@kcorpora1]

I agree

[@dianemolaka4611]

Really enjoyed the camera angle on many scenes. Especially the balcony scene, behind the gym bleacher scene, and the church scene. Great remake as good as the 1961 original.

[@BriteFrog]

I like both versions, but I think I prefer the 1961 version slightly more.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I like both versions but I can’t choose which one I prefer

[@marknewton6984]

I like the 1961 Original more!

[@dgsanchez1000]

To hear the Puerto Rico Revolutionary Anthem for Independence at the conclusion of the first scene brought tears to my eyes. Rita Moreno deserves a second Oscar as a Best Supporting Actress, her role as Valentina, resembles herself's as a living Oscar! As a Puerto Rican, and losing my aunt Valentina this year, this movie took me home. My mom lived with my aunt n NYC in 1961, WestSide Story was like their lives...

[@krussell1608]

The new West Side Story was amazing, but the original is still my favourite

[@samjam2656]

This film is amazing, of course its not the original but its a interpretation of the movieand stage play. And this version is a great interpretation. It better than the o.g film in many aspects. The acting in the 2021 is great, there is a lot of chemistry between the actors; most importantly Tony and Maria. In the 1961 version the characters didn't have much development or backstory, and tony & Maria's love couldve been more developed . This version feels more real because of a screenplay that has more dialogue that broadens the story. The dancing and singing in this film is also amazing. The biggest critic I have is that the song "cool" should of took place after the rumble for the best tension and have been more like the 1961 musical number because it the dancing was phenomenal. This film really shows the full scope and potential of west side story. The cast, Ariana Debose, Rachel Zegler, Mike Fast, David Alterez, Ansel Elgort etc. was amazing!!!

[@TickleSalty]

It’s not fair to compare movie making technology from 60 years ago to today’s. Spielberg stayed true to the stage version. And it was a masterpiece. The dancing was superb, not trying to upstage Jerome Robbins choreography but bringing in new updated variations. Overall a phenomenal movie.

[@jonnarobinson7541]

They destroyed "Cool". As a dance person, I was devastated by the change. And, Jerome Robbins, is one of my dance idols. Justin Peck did a good job, but why was the original music used and not the dance?

[@jackrivera8119]

play the two "dance at the gym" numbers side by side, the new troupe couldn't hold their shoes

[@kcorpora1]

no dancing can be better than 1961, that is impossible!

[@susankennedy5739]

@@jonnarobinson7541 Possibly because it's easy to reconstruct a music score, but hard, if not impossible, to duplicate the dances: you can't give Labanotated scores to a group of dancers, put a conductor in front of them, and have them go at it. Also, the dances were choreographed by the genius Robbins but also by Peter Gennaro (all the Sharks choreography), who was largely uncredited, and the choreography copyrights are probably quite complicated. The rights for the music would be simple to deal with.

[@peacecrewproducts]

I understand the more background stories of the characters in the 2021 film. However, the 1961 film is way better by the choreography with numbers. The cast was on beat.

[@marknewton6984]

Choreography in the original was better! Also Natalie.

[@jamalvargas6146]

As a Half Puerto Rican Myself I Completely understand the significance of West Side Story as I also grew up in a urban setting Hartford Ct

[@JustforFUN-gd4mu]

I saw an off main stream play once called West End Riot - you won't find it it was made by amateur's and I HOPE one day it will recognised it was very similar to West Side Story - except for two key differences Instead of racial and cultural barriers - it was organised crime guys coming up from poverty and dealing drugs with the greyness of the new leaders pondering the morality of murder vs - a bunch of roughens and surfers who grew up rough, have each other and love to get high and want to fight the criminals in order to keep their streets safe despite them buying drugs from them the roughens vs the rangers - ironic seeing how they were criminals but in charge of their own destinies neither side is innocent nor good yet both have elements to admire if little and instead of a romeo and juliet setting - its finding greyness and one ranger wanting to end his ways and another roughen wanting to and willing to commit murder for vengence and take the spoils for his gang its grey beyond grey and apart from these two main changing way individuals - the others form friendsships with each other and ends in a way that is more hopeful and draw your own conclusion (like the finale of the show Angel)

[@Jprager]

I had no idea Connecticut had a Hispanic population before this either I was assumed the upper northeast was all white people given how far it was from Latin America, aside from NY of course.

[@maryngshwuling9916]

Enjoyed the 2021 version very much 🌈 Thank you

[@MsMojo]

So glad!

[@kimberlytaylor2636]

I've only seen the 1961 version with Natalie Woods but I love it. I want to see the new version.

[@sierralovat5498]

It's worth it.

[@filmgirlLisa]

I grew up watching the 61 version a million times on tv, taping it, mimicking it. My friend told me I'd love the new version. I hated it.

[@jackrivera8119]

Don't bother

[@jackrivera8119]

@@filmgirlLisa I'm with you , it was almost hard to watch

[@amandaredd3057]

The OG WSS is so beloved to me and it's a piece of my childhood. I'm THRILLED that a talent such as Spielberg took on the remake, and I truly can't wait to see it!

[@jackrivera8119]

Don't bother

[@amandaredd3057]

@@jackrivera8119 well hell, that's unfortunate... I'm guessing it seriously sucks then, yeah?

[@pandajoyd4992]

@@amandaredd3057 I just saw it, and I loved it!! I haven’t seen the original though, and it does look very different. This one is dark and gritty and violent, but to me everyone felt real. I don’t know how that compares to the original, but I would recommend you dive in and see how it goes!

[@amandaredd3057]

@@pandajoyd4992 Well good then! Thanks for sharing! When I get the chance to watch it, I'll be sure to do so

[@jgsomers6862]

Saw both movie. I didn’t think anything would be better than the original. I was proven wrong. Absolutely love the new West Side Story!

[@manuelorozco7760]

I didn’t expect it to be better or worst. It was right down the middle as I hoped for in a good way

[@adlegacy56]

Found the 2021 version very interesting, and kudos to all the changes, some were "strokes of genius", but, and this is a big BUT for me, the film needed a strong Director who understands Musicals, how Musicals are structured, how they 'have to work'. Spielberg is not that man. Yes, he has a long, long list of brilliant dramas on his resume, but this is a musical and can NOT be directed as a drama which happens to have a lot of songs and dances. I could go into the technical faults in the film, such Songs being misplaced, a couple of spots in "America", where the dancing was behind the music a fraction of a second, OR how the Dramatic Musical Note in the occasional musical numbers was hit a brief second too late. As a result, this version didn't have any "Heart or Soul", because Spielberg doesn't understand how a Musical needs to work for Dramatic Effect. I left the Theatre thinking "that was interesting", but unfortunately, it didn't move me at all, and I'm a cryer! A good tragic love story will always have me in tears. This version didn't. But I tip my hat to all the absolute and much needed 'corrections' made to this version.

[@filmgirlLisa]

1000% agree and Spielberg is my favorite director.

[@timberrr1126]

Spelberg’s thing is to create more details in the backgrounds. But this can cut down on the romantic feel of the movie. Example: when Maria first sees Tony at the dance. Now compare that to what Spelberg did-a meeting behind stadium seats. Chino and some of the others should have been taller-woman want 6’ men. I felt 2021 was 60% of the 1961.

[@henrikechers9995]

Can`t wait to see the new version. I LOVE the 1961 version. The Music, and the songs, are some of the best in musicals ever

[@jackrivera8119]

Don't bother, the music, for some reason doesn't sound right , and the dancers don't cut it

[@nehizenayoungedo9856]

So pretty much their love could have continued in peace had Tony just gone to meet Maria instead of to the fight.

[@joyyoung3108]

Yeah I've always thought so. He should have minded his own business and stayed out of the drama.

[@bjax211]

We’ll, yeah, but within the context of the story it had to play out differently. Tony loved Riff, Maria loved Bernardo, and because he loved her did what he could in order for both of them to not get hurt. Maria and Tony both knew they couldn’t truly be happy together if things went down at the rumble - whether he met her earlier or not.

[@lolarogers2313]

Like the other die-hard fans of the 1961 film who've left comments here, I enjoyed this version more than I expected I would. It was a very good performance of West Side Story, and I agree that Ariana DeBose was fantastic, particularly in the scene at the morgue and in her performance of A Boy Like That. I also agree that it addressed some of the problems in the 1961 version (casting, dubbed singing, stupid make-up, etc.) that have always made it a brilliant but flawed film. Riff's character was beautifully acted and had more depth in this film, and I thought the attempt to show the despair and anger of the poor white boys made their characters more interesting. In the original it's obvious why the Sharks would be bitter about how they have been treated, but it's not as clear why the Jets are fighting to 'defend their turf'. In this version Riff is both more sympathetic and scarier, because we understand something about his anger. But some of the other back story additions didn't add as much for me. Some here have said that the slight changes to Anybody's lines mean that the character is trans in this film, but was 'just a tomboy' in the original. I think the role was more ambiguous than that in the original, and the dialogue was probably what could be said in the era when it was made, in both popular films and in real life. So that addition of Anybody expressing an insistence on being a boy seems unusual for a teenager at the time when it's set. It's clear in the 1961 version that all the fighting in the Jets has changed Tony and made him want out of the gang, and that he's been under the supervision of the 'youth board', so I don't really need a bunch of detail about exactly what happened. And I couldn't really figure out why they added the backstory that Bernardo is a boxer. (Any comments on what that was meant to add are welcome.) Romeo & Juliet is a pretty simple story with fairly basic, blank-slate characters. It's Shakespeare's poetic language that makes it beloved. For West Side Story, it's the music that provides that poetry and carries the story. As a musical, the 1961 film is more powerful. For all the criticism of Richard Beymer's corny performance in the 1961 version, his rendition of Something's Comin' is much more interesting, not only because he puts his heart into it, but because of the lighting, the low angle as he looks up at the sky--the fact that he's outside instead of in the dim, drab store. Spielberg doesn't seem to have the same feel for how to shoot a musical number. I can tell that he exercised more restraint in the editing than he and most makers of blockbusters usually show, but he still over-edited the dance numbers. When fantastic dancers are dancing, they are what is exciting about the scene, and I want to see them dance without the director/editor cutting from one shot to another or the camera zooming in and making it hard to see the movements of their bodies. It may have been wise to not even try to match the thrilling choreography for Cool used in the 1961 version, and it even made a sort of dramatic sense to place the scene between Tony and Riff, but why shoot and cut it like a jerky fight scene in an action movie? I would prefer to be able to see their movements. I also wished they'd got some tumbling in, but Russ Tamblyns are hard to find, I'm sure. George Chakiris's dancing in the 1961 version is so wonderful in the opening sequence and in America. It's hard to judge David Alvarez's dancing in the new version because I honestly felt like I could never get a good look at it. So I can see why a lot of viewers, particularly those more accustomed to current filming and editing styles, would prefer this version, and I really liked it a lot, but I think the previous version is a more poetic and musical film.

[@user-dg8iu2nx1q]

"Cool" comes before the Rumble in the original Broadway show and is sung by Riff; "Gee, Officer Krupke!" comes after the Rumble. In the 1961 film their positions are reversed.

[@lolarogers2313]

@@user-dg8iu2nx1q Maybe seeing a live performance works differently than watching a movie. I prefer the more dramatic arrangement of songs in the 1961 version. 'Cool' in particular works so well to show how shaken the gang is by what has just happened, to show how a crime that happens almost by accident, in a moment of anger, can turn someone hard, make stupid kids into real criminals and fugitives.

[@kenoliver8913]

I''d summarise this long comment as "Spielbergs made a more realistic modern drama in this version, but a far inferior musical". And I agree. In particular the 1961 decision to get great actors on screen and great singers to dub them was the correct one, as the two qualities are very rarely found in one body . Musically the 2021 version is below par, with the sole exception of Maria.

[@ilimari]

About Bernardo being a boxer that’s because in Puerto Rico boxing is huge. Quoting a google article from 2014: “Puerto Rico has produced top boxing stars in every decade since the 1930s. Carlos Ortiz was the top lightweight champion of the 1960s and Wilfredo Gomez emerged in the late 1970s as one of the great pound-for-pound punchers in the sport's history. In the past 20 years, nobody has sold anywhere near as many tickets at Madison Square Garden as Cotto and Felix Trinidad.” So just as in Hollywood the black guy from the hood is always good at basketball, they chose to make Bernardo a boxer. In short words, a common stereotype about Puerto Ricans: we are good at boxing.

[@lolarogers2313]

@@ilimari Thanks, Illis.

[@jmh27]

The 1961 version is definitely my favorite, but the new one is really good. Some highlights of the 2021 version: Ariana DeBose makes a fantastic Anita, and I adored Rachel Zegler’s Maria. I also loved Rita Moreno in her role; she’s a highlight of the movie. I enjoyed the character’s backstories. I liked how there were more scenes with the Sharks; we get to see them grieving Bernardo, which wasn’t in the original. The movie’s cinematography, set design, and costume design are excellent. Weaker points: The choreography is not nearly as good as the original’s (you can’t beat Jerome Robbins). I prefer the original Dance at the Gym and Officer Krupke numbers. The new America number is lively and colorful, but the intimacy of the original is lost, since the dancing occurs in the streets with the crowd participating, rather than on a rooftop. I also like the original Jets better; they have more distinct personalities than the new Jets do. Some observations: Mike Faist’s Riff is nihilistic and serious, in contrast to Russ Tamblyn’s more devil-may-care attitude. The new Tony and Riff seem to have less of a brother dynamic and are more at each other. The new version has a darker, more realistic tone. Ultimately, it respects the original and pays homage to what came before. I like to think of the new version as more of an interpretation of the story rather than a remake.

[@lenhummel5614]

Excellent summary. I agree.

[@a.k.g478]

I liked the classic better. The new WSS with all that background info. made it a long drawn out story--slower and less interesting in the second half. Although most of the principals were great, Rachel Zegler, couldn't hold a candle to the etheral beauty and fragileness of Natalie Wood's portrayal. I was glad Zegler is Latino and she has an exquisite voice--that helped. I also think while they did a good job, no one could take the place of the Anita Moreno and George Chackris. The major change I objected to in Spielberg's rendition, was to give Tony a criminal background and anger issues. This weakened his character and the promise of his future, subsequentially, his death seemed to make sense, instead of a terrible tragedy. While I didn't care for Maria's date with Tony in either story, at least in the original, the dress shop was a fixture in the neighborhood. Lastly, I will say your article showed a clear preference fo Speilburg.

[@samanthakennedy9514]

such a gem role to have Rita Moreno in the movie . Help make sure things in the story go right and see how much you can update while filming and make sure they understand the movie roles

[@saracompanionhomecareservi617]

The new version is more interesting and more beautifully filmed. It was very well done.

[@justineves3588]

very very great epic list I like it a lot very great job mis mojo one of my absolute favorite list ever ❤ I like to go see the new west side Story sometime very soon 😀

[@marcoterres3421]

Steven Spielberg's version came to be the new classical movie for this generation and it represents better what West Side Story means for today's theater stages.

[@archraskal]

ti@Marco terres The Spielberg version doesn't supersede the 1961 movie as what should be regarded as the classic version. The white actors who played Puerto Ricans in the original film did so in a respectful and convincing way. George Chakiris is a more charismatic actor than the one in the new film. POC, and in particular, Puerto Ricans don't have ownership of WSS. It's a work of performance art created entirely by white men. Puerto Rican characters are conceived in it by those outside their culture.

[@emmettmccann2214]

@@archraskal Just becoz the new one has representation doesn't mean it's better. But you simply cannot justify the makeup and lack of representation by saying it was conceived by white men....

[@jackrivera8119]

Yep it will be on the $1.99 rack in Walmart pretty soon.

[@thiapitard7090]

The 61' film was the best

[@Luverofmysoul2]

Honestly, I saw this new one yesterday and it did the old one justice but added so much more and was a bit more respectful to the Puerto Rican people. I think this really earns an Oscar for the marvelous cinematography as well as its perfect orchestration.

[@brigittebedolla4719]

The 2021 film is based on the original Broadway production rather than the 1961 film. :)

[@TooFurious4]

I've never seen the original but I absolutely love the 2021 version. I've seen it 3 times now and will definitely be buying the blu-ray.

[@josephadiaz8343]

I still haven't seen the new version, but can't wait to do so 😊❤️🙏✌️😎

[@Bellapink96]

Something that I loved about the new version is that they use the latin Boricuas actors to do the translate to Spanish versions so it sound the way we Boricuas say things. I love that it make it more real. Cus each latin country have there ways of saying things and each pais have there on accent. So when they do voice over we can detect who is doing the voice over Mexican,Cuban,dominican,colombia Venezuela, Panama ezt....

[@Cesteth]

I will always love the original best bcuz of the amazing ensemble dancing & choreography by Jerome Robbins. I missed the trademark leaping move w/ the left leg extended. To me this move represents the way the gangs are trying to pull themselves up in the world, but to no avail. I felt like most of the new choreography was very down, down into the ground. Also so many in the '61 movie were from the orig B-way cast. The way an ensemble gets honed performing night & night, just can't compare. In the new version, my fav thing was the amazing singing between the 2 leads; their vibratos spin at the same speed. Lil annoying that the tenor's chin shook when he held notes. Thought maybe he was imitating Sarah Brightman. And the acting is amazing. I was crying at the end. The comedy for "Gee, Officer Krupke" seemed more spontaneous & I was dying laughing. I loved how they restored the orig B-way lyrics. They tried really hard to make it look 50s, but they just didn't really succeed w/ the sets & costumes. A lot of things were quite off. I'd give it a B+

[@zdogg8]

People are excited about "America" as a dance number. Upon watching (again) the 1961 version I'm struck by the agility and talent of Rita Moreno as a dancer par excellence. She is a bona fide star. Seems to be missing in this go-round

[@pamelamays4186]

One difference: Skin darkening makeup wasn't used on the actors. Another difference: Actual Hispanics/Latinos were cast in the 2021 version.

[@smokingbrush2498]

but not Puerto Ricans, apparently. So a bit like a movie set in Brooklyn where all the actors come from Texas....

[@Edgar_Vira]

Please, we latinos do not like the word "latinxs". It does not exist in the Spanish grammar. We respect your language, please respect ours.

[@kelisabeth3952]

I’m assuming the x is an o, and if not Latinos, what alternative would you prefer? Don’t wanna sound disrespectful, just wanna learn :)

[@Edgar_Vira]

@@kelisabeth3952 Hello. In Spanish, we use the "o" to generalize, so latinos is OK. Thank you so much for taking the time to ask :)

[@theresajimenez8055]

@@kelisabeth3952 I don't like it either.

[@kelisabeth3952]

gotta be honest I’m a little confused

[@Edgar_Vira]

@@kelisabeth3952 confused with what?

[@davidrixson3171]

It opened last week here in the UK. I've just seen it, Awesome film, I love it!

[@user-br5cu4oc7w]

DEFINITLY ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVIES OF ALL TIMES I'TS WEST SIDE SIDE STORY 1961.WISH WILL NENER BE TOUCHED AGAIN. ANYYWAY, NOW AND ALLWAYS, MY DEEPEST ADMIRATION AND RESPECT TO THE GREAT STEVEN SPILBERG.

[@marcosesteban4392]

I loved both versions. I cannot say too many complimentary things about most remakes that I've seen but in this case, I think this one was positively terrific. Rita Moreno was wonderful in both films

[@supernova4199]

When they went from The Rumble to I feel Pretty I was beside myself when I went to see it. I had only ever seen the 1961 version

[@merribellewharton938]

Saw it opening night! Absolutely a stunning remake that builds on the foundation of the original. The entire cast give stellar performances! I loved every second, and yes I do believe I love it even more than the 1961.

[@johncaputo9965]

I consider myself to have earned the reputation of being a West Side Story expert, having first seen the 1961 movie when it came out, watching it more than a dozen times in the intervening 60 years, and watching Spielberg's a few days after it opened. For me, hand's down the original is superior. It will be easy for those favoring the 2021 version to accuse me of making my choice simply based upon generational differences. But this is not correct. In fact, it is the generational differences in INTENT and EXECUTION that are clearly evident upon careful analysis that caused the new one to miss the mark. While I cannot argue the fact of the 10 differences examined here, my contention is that not only do they add nothing substantive to the story, they actually lead us astray from several key aspects of the original. What we get here is the PC version of a story set in the late 1950's falsely photoshopped into today that undercuts key elements of the drama's core. I won't give a full analysis (unless someone asks for it), but take for instance the switch from Doc to Valentina. Admirable though it was to recast the outstanding (and vastly superior) Anita of 1961 Rita Morena in 2021, this changes the dynamic of Tony's arc. Suddenly, instead of evolving from a newly serious young man who wants no part of the Jets and their war on the Sharks until his unexpected and fateful meeting with Maria, now he has already become sensitive to the Puerto Rican cause through his caring conversations with Valentina AND his encounter with Puerto Ricans and other cultural outcasts in prison. That is MAJOR, and it is only done to craft a believable path for the actress and make the case for today's heightened awareness of prejudice (admirable, but NOT essential to the story)! Moreover, this leads to two awful changes in musical numbers. In the original, Tony's "Something Coming" is a pure outpouring of the tipping point he is just becoming aware of, that is sung to himself only--and therefore directly to the audience. In 2021 he is joined with Valentina in a watered down version that immerses his goals into a dual wish for more understanding times. That makes the PC folks feel better, but it is a disaster for the story!!! Secondly, though Valentina's singing of "Somewhere" is moving and poignant, it turns this vital song for the two lovers into yet another PC wish for more understanding times (again, preaching is fine, but it doesn't belong here). And because this is no longer Tony and Maria's song, it cannot be desperately sung at Tony's death scene. My God! Now THAT is an "American Tragedy". In the original I am knee deep in tears as we all know that their personal dream borne of true love has already died. As empathetic viewers we die along with Tony, we understand why Maria has the temptation of hate as she points the gun at both Jets and Sharks. In 2021, a mere reprise of "Tonight" has almost zero emotional resonance. I was suddenly no longer personally involved with this awful loss, but yet again thrust into the PC world. My final point--ironically enough--are the two HOPEFUL signs of reconciliation between the two groups right there in the original that are missing now. When the Jets struggle to carry Tony's lifeless body, the Sharks rush to make sure he doesn't fall! Their fundamental and underlying humanity is thrust in front of anyone who had not been aware of this before! (They should have, because everything the Sharks want is the same thing the Jets want--love, respect, a place to live, economic opportunity). And finally, in 1961 the Jungian feminine Little John impulsively picks up Maria's scarf, and places it gently on her head, effectively crowning her as a secular Virgin Mary. All of this intense emotion at the end is why I believe the credits are shown in a prolonged coda at the films' ending. The audience desperately NEEDS to have time to readjust to the mundane everyday world after having been taken to the heights and depths of the best and worst that humans are capable of. This is HIGH ART folks, not a PC documentary! In 2021, we are left empty, and alone, as a quickie run of credits shows on a screen that the audience is already leaving behind. Thanks for considering my honest and passionate opinions!

[@Cesteth]

I agree...thank u!

[@melvynobrien6193]

THE NEW VERSION IS WOKE BULLSHIT.

[@marjorienewman20]

I agree with you - especially the huge mistake of changing Somewhere.

[@marjorienewman20]

And Cool lacked intensity in the new version. It seemed silly. In the original it was so intense and powerful.

[@johncaputo9965]

@@marjorienewman20 Absolutely agree! A huge miss on every single level.

[@bertdebruijn864]

Spielberg is a genius, no doubt! But nothing beats the original!! Best musical ever!!!

[@smokingbrush2498]

Keaton was a genius. Welles was a genius. Spielberg is no genius, just a director with a CGI toybox and a lot of backing.

[@brigittebedolla4719]

The original West Side Story was the stage version on Broadway. :)

[@FatimaMarques0890]

Just by looking at the photography you can notice how different the tone is. The camera work, light and shadow, colors and setting are on another level. Spielberg being Speilberg.

[@jackrivera8119]

You're right , it looks like it was filmed with dark filters

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@jackrivera8119 It fits perfect with the tone of the story

[@arvinchris7834]

I prefer the 1961, the musical, the perfect vintage style and hair, and of course the Iconic Actors and Actresses there❤️ Love Natalie Wood there❤️

[@MrRichDavid]

The original is iconic. Natalie Wood was gorgeous and the entire cast perfect. I loved the new version as well. Both perfect for the time.

[@marknewton6984]

I dig the original and Natalie more!

[@MrRichDavid]

Me too......As her friend Roddy McDowell said "Natalie was the prettiest girl he ever knew" She was also a great Star. They almost don't make them like her anymore.......@@marknewton6984

[@reelramon1014]

It's very striking, in the opening sequence, how the partially demolished buildings look so much like WW2 bombed-out European cities. That part of New York, in the movie, really did look like a war zone. With the encroaching gentrification and the loss of an old way of life, Riff's lament about changing times and people he doesn't like and who don't like him carries a lot of emotional weight.

[@Qboro66]

I grew up with the 1961 version of West Side Story(on TV of course)so it will always be my favorite especially the "Cool" number... However, having said that the 2021 version is a well made film giving a new perspective... Steven Spielberg is my most favorite director of all time so that helps... There were some anachronistic mistakes made in this movie, four in the subway scene alone but all in all a very enjoyable film...

[@peterpatestos956]

West side story the original 1961 still is the best, and best musical movie,ever made,

[@songbirdrosie]

I watch the 2021 version today in cinema. It was amazing

[@khoslar1]

Both films are excellent in their own right. The score is timeless. The more realistic context of the 2021version gives it a refreshing new look. Worth watching

[@scottberglin]

In Spielberg’s 2021 version, Rachel Zegler had a beautifully trained voice. Other than her, all of the other singing and music was no comparison to the original 1961 film. There’s a reason the 1961 Westside Story won more Oscars than any other musical ever. It is the far superior version!

[@lauriem5751]

None of the principal actors, except Rita Moreno, did their own singing. It was brown-face and an artifact of its time.

[@marknewton6984]

Yes but Rachel is no Natalie Wood, a real star!

[@peterpatestos956]

give me the original 1961😇west side story I can watch this movie many times all over George chakiris /rita moreno and Natalie wood were the best.

[@kcorpora1]

On point

[@RobertByler]

Great video! Thanks!

[@shellyjane8305]

i couldnt believe how BEAUTIFUL and INCREDIBLE the new wss was. i loved it so much, maybe even more than the original