The Story of West Side Story: From Stage to Screen
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
Bobby
1. Good idea to have Rita Marino inserted into the Steven Spielberg script of West Side Story
2. Best Actress role for Oscar nomination for Spielberg's version will be Maria (Rachel Zegler) and then Anita (Ariana DeBose) for supporting Oscar nomination. I think Rachel Zegler's acting for Maria, was better than Natalie Wood in Robert's Wise production.
3. Second choice for best supporting actress: Rita Marino. (yes again)
4. I did not like any of the character actors choice for either the Jets or Sharks in this Spielberg version.
5. I did not like the first act of the Spielberg version as much as the Robert Wise version, but the second act of Spielberg's version made up for the 1st act's shortcomings. Spielberg's first act of his movie was too, too, dark.
6. My choice for which movie was better would be the flawless 1st West Side Story. Robert Wise was the better Director in this for the 1st Movie version of the play. However the second act of Spielberg's version made tears come from my eyes, but don't tell anybody as I don't want my manhood questioned.
7. In the first movie the Jet gang gave respect for the little girl playing on the ground and walked around her play area. In the Spielberg version the Jets ripped up the little girls artwork on the ground. I could not get behind the Jets after that.
8. The dance scenes in both versions were equally good.
9. Spielberg claimed he did not want to copy the first, Robert Wise version, however he did in the opening. In the first, Wise version, we have an aerial shot flying over Manhattan, in Spielberg's version we have an aerial shot flying over the demolished section of the gang area with same intro music.
10. Spielberg's version of West Side Story, should be nominated for Best Picture Oscar this year, however from the WOKE Hollywood, they might choose another low budget foreign movie made with no whites in it, that nobody will see, for diversity's sake. Then that will remind me of Marxist Korean movie (looked like a college student made film) winning Best Picture over 1917 a real professional movie. And like Spielberg's movie, Saving Private Ryan that didn't win Best Picture, which it should have, over that terrible love movie, again, that nobody saw.
11. Why couldn't Spielberg use any other race besides Puerto Rican? That was a racist decision on WOKE Spielberg. High class acting is art, that a great actor could pull it off. Spielberg now denies race to play any role unless they are the same race of the character portrayed? This is a slam in the face of all actors. Example, he could have used actors from any South American country as long as they looked Puerto Rican. Come on man! Spielberg trying to be WOKE is a racist to all other promising actors.
13. What was this freak dark character tranny character that used to be a tom boy girl in the Robert Wise motive? We could see in the Robert Wise movie that this was a tom boy girl. However in this movie, we don't know who this scary creature from hell was in Spielberg's version. Spielberg was again trying to be WOKE by picking a tranny freak character from this years 2021 to by making the LGBTQ people happy. That demonic freak character was a bust.
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1. Good idea to have Rita Marino inserted into the Steven Spielberg script of West Side Story
2. Best Actress role for Oscar nomination for Spielberg's version will be Maria (Rachel Zegler) and then Anita (Ariana DeBose) for supporting Oscar nomination. I think Rachel Zegler's acting for Maria, was better than Natalie Wood in Robert's Wise production.
3. Second choice for best supporting actress: Rita Marino. (yes again)
4. I did not like any of the character actors choice for either the Jets or Sharks in this Spielberg version.
5. I did not like the first act of the Spielberg version as much as the Robert Wise version, but the second act of Spielberg's version made up for the 1st act's shortcomings. Spielberg's first act of his movie was too, too, dark.
6. My choice for which movie was better would be the flawless 1st West Side Story. Robert Wise was the better Director in this for the 1st Movie version of the play. However the second act of Spielberg's version made tears come from my eyes, but don't tell anybody as I don't want my manhood questioned.
7. In the first movie the Jet gang gave respect for the little girl playing on the ground and walked around her play area. In the Spielberg version the Jets ripped up the little girls artwork on the ground. I could not get behind the Jets after that.
8. The dance scenes in both versions were equally good.
9. Spielberg claimed he did not want to copy the first, Robert Wise version, however he did in the opening. In the first, Wise version, we have an aerial shot flying over Manhattan, in Spielberg's version we have an aerial shot flying over the demolished section of the gang area with same intro music.
10. Spielberg's version of West Side Story, should be nominated for Best Picture Oscar this year, however from the WOKE Hollywood, they might choose another low budget foreign movie made with no whites in it, that nobody will see, for diversity's sake. Then that will remind me of Marxist Korean movie (looked like a college student made film) winning Best Picture over 1917 a real professional movie. And like Spielberg's movie, Saving Private Ryan that didn't win Best Picture, which it should have, over that terrible love movie, again, that nobody saw.
11. Why couldn't Spielberg use any other race besides Puerto Rican? That was a racist decision on WOKE Spielberg. High class acting is art, that a great actor could pull it off. Spielberg now denies race to play any role unless they are the same race of the character portrayed? This is a slam in the face of all actors. Example, he could have used actors from any South American country as long as they looked Puerto Rican. Come on man! Spielberg trying to be WOKE is a racist to all other promising actors.
13. What was this freak dark character tranny character that used to be a tom boy girl in the Robert Wise motive? We could see in the Robert Wise movie that this was a tom boy girl. However in this movie, we don't know who this scary creature from hell was in Spielberg's version. Spielberg was again trying to be WOKE by picking a tranny freak character from this years 2021 to by making the LGBTQ people happy. That demonic freak character was a bust.
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Vera
Love the 1961 version and Spielberg's version. The opening and overture of the 1961 movie captures the eyes, imagination and heart in such a magical way. Robert Wise was a genius making those images from New York City. One of the most vibrant and colorful movies ever. The gym mambo scene was just WOW! Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn were amazing in it. Spielberg's version however brought a deepest version of the caracthers of Tony, Maria, Riff, Anita and Bernardo. That scene of the rumble with that Tony vs. Bernardo moment took my breath away, the violence of that scene shocked me. The Cinematography from Kaminski is beautiful. Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose and Mike Faist are spectacular. How great it would be to watch Spielberg taking Best Achievement in Directing next year and the movie taking the Academy Award for Best Picture (again. The greatest challenge is Jane Campion for her incredible work in The Power of the Dog and the fact that West Side Story won Best Picture in 1962. I don't know if Academy members are going to vote for West Side Story again
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Love the 1961 version and Spielberg's version. The opening and overture of the 1961 movie captures the eyes, imagination and heart in such a magical way. Robert Wise was a genius making those images from New York City. One of the most vibrant and colorful movies ever. The gym mambo scene was just WOW! Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn were amazing in it. Spielberg's version however brought a deepest version of the caracthers of Tony, Maria, Riff, Anita and Bernardo. That scene of the rumble with that Tony vs. Bernardo moment took my breath away, the violence of that scene shocked me. The Cinematography from Kaminski is beautiful. Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose and Mike Faist are spectacular. How great it would be to watch Spielberg taking Best Achievement in Directing next year and the movie taking the Academy Award for Best Picture (again. The greatest challenge is Jane Campion for her incredible work in The Power of the Dog and the fact that West Side Story won Best Picture in 1962. I don't know if Academy members are going to vote for West Side Story again
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Jeff
At age 69, I saw the original film in 1961, the year of its release. The Broadway cast recording had been a staple in my household, and the film literally changed my life. When I first heard Spielberg was doing a remake, I thought it was some joke out of The Onion. When I discovered it was true, I thought it an obscenity and planned to boycott it. But as the day of its opening approached, curiosity got the better of me. Saw it last night and I'm overjoyed to say this new film is truly wonderful. It's not by any means a replacement for the 1961 version, more like a deepening enrichment of the tradition. It's clear from every frame that Spielberg and his remarkable cast and crew loved everything about the show and threw every iota of their massive talents into it. It shows, oh how it shows! How lucky I feel to have lived to experience both.
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At age 69, I saw the original film in 1961, the year of its release. The Broadway cast recording had been a staple in my household, and the film literally changed my life. When I first heard Spielberg was doing a remake, I thought it was some joke out of The Onion. When I discovered it was true, I thought it an obscenity and planned to boycott it. But as the day of its opening approached, curiosity got the better of me. Saw it last night and I'm overjoyed to say this new film is truly wonderful. It's not by any means a replacement for the 1961 version, more like a deepening enrichment of the tradition. It's clear from every frame that Spielberg and his remarkable cast and crew loved everything about the show and threw every iota of their massive talents into it. It shows, oh how it shows! How lucky I feel to have lived to experience both.
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DavidinSLO
Saw it this past weekend. Good - but not great - film. Worth seeing? Yes, esp if youre a West Side Story fan.
One negative of the realism that Spielberg has brought to the 2021 version, is it makes Tony and Marias love at first sight relationship even less plausible. My kids friends - who have never seen the original 1961 film - though Tony and Marias relationship absolutely ridiculous. The original 1961 felt much more like a play which worked. Curious what other teens/early adults (who buy the majority of movie tickets) think about the 2021 update.
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Saw it this past weekend. Good - but not great - film. Worth seeing? Yes, esp if youre a West Side Story fan.
One negative of the realism that Spielberg has brought to the 2021 version, is it makes Tony and Marias love at first sight relationship even less plausible. My kids friends - who have never seen the original 1961 film - though Tony and Marias relationship absolutely ridiculous. The original 1961 felt much more like a play which worked. Curious what other teens/early adults (who buy the majority of movie tickets) think about the 2021 update.
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NINA
I have loved West Side Story I was 3. My parents saw the original movie in NYC. My dad always talked about that night and it was a tradition of ours to watch it once a year. For my parents 50th Anniversary we took them to NYC to see West Side Story on Broadway. I passed on the love of this movie to my children who also watched it with me and my Dad. Sadly my Dad passed before the Spielberg version came out but I am sure he is watching from heaven. This movie is my all time favorite!
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I have loved West Side Story I was 3. My parents saw the original movie in NYC. My dad always talked about that night and it was a tradition of ours to watch it once a year. For my parents 50th Anniversary we took them to NYC to see West Side Story on Broadway. I passed on the love of this movie to my children who also watched it with me and my Dad. Sadly my Dad passed before the Spielberg version came out but I am sure he is watching from heaven. This movie is my all time favorite!
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Joanna
Saw it last night, absolutely fabulous! Never liked Natalie Wood as thought she was too old, plus she didnt sing it, the new Maria is stunning, a young girl with no film experience, fabulous! Loved the whole thing perhaps my favourite moment was Rita Merino singing Somewhere a 90 year old showing the young ones how to do it! Great film, great cast if it doesnt clean up at the Oscars there is no justice!
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Saw it last night, absolutely fabulous! Never liked Natalie Wood as thought she was too old, plus she didnt sing it, the new Maria is stunning, a young girl with no film experience, fabulous! Loved the whole thing perhaps my favourite moment was Rita Merino singing Somewhere a 90 year old showing the young ones how to do it! Great film, great cast if it doesnt clean up at the Oscars there is no justice!
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Eddison
It was on TV here in the UK one Sunday evening when I was a kid and it blew me away. It that was all we could talk about in school the following day as we had never seen a musical like it before and knew it was great. Every was asked are you a Jet or a Shark? I was Jet because of Russ Tamblyn, was cool, fun, acrobatic, and brought warmth, magnetic, and endearing quality to Riff.
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It was on TV here in the UK one Sunday evening when I was a kid and it blew me away. It that was all we could talk about in school the following day as we had never seen a musical like it before and knew it was great. Every was asked are you a Jet or a Shark? I was Jet because of Russ Tamblyn, was cool, fun, acrobatic, and brought warmth, magnetic, and endearing quality to Riff.
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ieasliygetaddicted
I watched it a while ago, I was really interested in 50s-60s movies at the time. I heard a lot of good things about this movie like the music, the story, the actors/actresses. I was only 13 at the time so I didnt understand it much. But when I heard they made a remake I watched it over again and it made me cry everything was perfect and I fell in love with the movie.
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I watched it a while ago, I was really interested in 50s-60s movies at the time. I heard a lot of good things about this movie like the music, the story, the actors/actresses. I was only 13 at the time so I didnt understand it much. But when I heard they made a remake I watched it over again and it made me cry everything was perfect and I fell in love with the movie.
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Elizabeth
The original broadway starred
Larry Kert(1930-1991) Tony
Carol Lawrence
Mickey Calin
Art Smith
Ken Le Roy
Chita Rivera
Lee Becker
Grover Dale
Tony Mordante
Eddie Roll
David Winters
Tommy Abbott
William Bramley
Hank Brunjes
Arch Johnson
Lowell Harris
Carmen Guiterrez
Jack Murray
and the rest of the cast.
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The original broadway starred
Larry Kert(1930-1991) Tony
Carol Lawrence
Mickey Calin
Art Smith
Ken Le Roy
Chita Rivera
Lee Becker
Grover Dale
Tony Mordante
Eddie Roll
David Winters
Tommy Abbott
William Bramley
Hank Brunjes
Arch Johnson
Lowell Harris
Carmen Guiterrez
Jack Murray
and the rest of the cast.
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Shevaun
Was introduced to west side story in yr8 in high school when we watched the clip of the America song from the 1961 film in music class and gravitated towards it straight away and wanted to watch the full movie. in primary school we were taught how to sing somewhere in music class and in yr10 in choir practice we were taught how to sing I feel pretty
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Was introduced to west side story in yr8 in high school when we watched the clip of the America song from the 1961 film in music class and gravitated towards it straight away and wanted to watch the full movie. in primary school we were taught how to sing somewhere in music class and in yr10 in choir practice we were taught how to sing I feel pretty
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David
I first saw West Side Story in music class. Loved the songs, but the movie was okay. It was the sixties, and while the 1961 film was a masterpiece of its time, I couldn't bear watching the Sharks' accents and makeup. The 2009 revival and the Spielberg version was much better, and you understand the characters a lot better in the latter.
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I first saw West Side Story in music class. Loved the songs, but the movie was okay. It was the sixties, and while the 1961 film was a masterpiece of its time, I couldn't bear watching the Sharks' accents and makeup. The 2009 revival and the Spielberg version was much better, and you understand the characters a lot better in the latter.
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Misty
I loved the newest version. The original movie is still the best. I love the stage show the most though. My high school did West Side Story and it was literally the first show that my high school sold out. The story worked so well for the area I lived in. Compared to other schools that did the same musical that year, ours was the best.
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I loved the newest version. The original movie is still the best. I love the stage show the most though. My high school did West Side Story and it was literally the first show that my high school sold out. The story worked so well for the area I lived in. Compared to other schools that did the same musical that year, ours was the best.
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Brooke
PUERTO RICANS ARENT IMMIGRANTS! Puerto Ricans are American citizens at birth. There is no such thing as a Puerto Rican immigrant. There is no such thing as Puerto Ricans immigrating to the US. Thats like saying someone from the Bronx is immigrating to Manhattan. Get your facts straight
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PUERTO RICANS ARENT IMMIGRANTS! Puerto Ricans are American citizens at birth. There is no such thing as a Puerto Rican immigrant. There is no such thing as Puerto Ricans immigrating to the US. Thats like saying someone from the Bronx is immigrating to Manhattan. Get your facts straight
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Judas
Hey, not sure if anyone will even see this comment, but I just wanted to say that karen olivo uses they/them pronouns! Not sure if they were totally out about that when this video was recorded/uploaded, but if you're going to mention them in the comments please use their pronouns!
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Hey, not sure if anyone will even see this comment, but I just wanted to say that karen olivo uses they/them pronouns! Not sure if they were totally out about that when this video was recorded/uploaded, but if you're going to mention them in the comments please use their pronouns!
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Count
A few times a year my mom would take me for a Chinese food lunch (never had chow mein like the place made it) and a movie that had a Christian theme. Then when I was 11 we went to see WSS. at first I protested (a musical) but after seeing it in 1961 I have loved it ever since.
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A few times a year my mom would take me for a Chinese food lunch (never had chow mein like the place made it) and a movie that had a Christian theme. Then when I was 11 we went to see WSS. at first I protested (a musical) but after seeing it in 1961 I have loved it ever since.
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stevie68a
Having Latins playing Latins is a good idea.
But let's not overdo it. If a western film is made, do we need real cowboys?
Natalie Wood was angelic in the part, because she was a very good actress.
Actors are always playing something they're not. lest we forget.
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Having Latins playing Latins is a good idea.
But let's not overdo it. If a western film is made, do we need real cowboys?
Natalie Wood was angelic in the part, because she was a very good actress.
Actors are always playing something they're not. lest we forget.
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Lori
West Side Story has always been my favorite musical. Although it will always hold a special place in my heart, the remake is absolutely, unbelievably, amazing. The cast was perfect. Steven Spielberg was awesome and I'm so glad they stayed with the same music. BRAVO TO YOU ALL!
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West Side Story has always been my favorite musical. Although it will always hold a special place in my heart, the remake is absolutely, unbelievably, amazing. The cast was perfect. Steven Spielberg was awesome and I'm so glad they stayed with the same music. BRAVO TO YOU ALL!
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Karen
One more thing in the 1961 movie Natalie Wood was excellent as Maria. This is my opinion too Rita Moreno had no business singing Somewhere In Spielberg's version. Okay I know it was taken from the 1957 musical stage play. Some things didn't work for me.
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One more thing in the 1961 movie Natalie Wood was excellent as Maria. This is my opinion too Rita Moreno had no business singing Somewhere In Spielberg's version. Okay I know it was taken from the 1957 musical stage play. Some things didn't work for me.
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Dino
Saw the original West Side Story on cable then got the DVD; its one of the best musicals ever. Learned the Elvis Presley was considered for the lead role for the 1961 musical directed by Robert Wise. That wouldve been something to see had it happened.
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Saw the original West Side Story on cable then got the DVD; its one of the best musicals ever. Learned the Elvis Presley was considered for the lead role for the 1961 musical directed by Robert Wise. That wouldve been something to see had it happened.
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AUGVULCAN
There is NO SUCH THING AS A PUERTO RICAN IMMIGRANT! They even mention this in the new film of West Side Story as a way of educating members in the viewing audience who don't know that Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917.
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There is NO SUCH THING AS A PUERTO RICAN IMMIGRANT! They even mention this in the new film of West Side Story as a way of educating members in the viewing audience who don't know that Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917.
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Thomas
SPOILER ALERT One of the saddest scenes in films is when Maria sings Somewhere to the dying Tony. Even sadder is when the gang members pick up
his body and carry it away.
They know what has been the result of their violence.
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SPOILER ALERT One of the saddest scenes in films is when Maria sings Somewhere to the dying Tony. Even sadder is when the gang members pick up
his body and carry it away.
They know what has been the result of their violence.
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Emily
I read that Elvis was offered the role of Bernardo, but his agent, Col. Tom Parker wouldn't let Elvis take the role since it wasn't the lead. Presley lost out on an incredible opportunity that would have changed his life.
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I read that Elvis was offered the role of Bernardo, but his agent, Col. Tom Parker wouldn't let Elvis take the role since it wasn't the lead. Presley lost out on an incredible opportunity that would have changed his life.
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Chris
Saw it on Broadway with my Dad in 57. Also saw it at The Kenley Players in Warren Ohio with Carla Marie Allberghtti, Anna Maries sister. Even in it a high school production. Prefer the stage productions over the films.
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Saw it on Broadway with my Dad in 57. Also saw it at The Kenley Players in Warren Ohio with Carla Marie Allberghtti, Anna Maries sister. Even in it a high school production. Prefer the stage productions over the films.
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Texaslawhorn
Nothing will ever top the 1961 film for me, but the 2021 version is very good, too. I love Rita and enjoyed her Somewhere, but I need Maria and Tony singing that to each other, especially as Tony is dying.
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Nothing will ever top the 1961 film for me, but the 2021 version is very good, too. I love Rita and enjoyed her Somewhere, but I need Maria and Tony singing that to each other, especially as Tony is dying.
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albert
Can I ask a question: is it more impactful for Maria to be the only one surviving? Its suppose to follow Romeo and Juliet and yet I feel torn. I love West Side Story but I feel conflicted about the ending
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Can I ask a question: is it more impactful for Maria to be the only one surviving? Its suppose to follow Romeo and Juliet and yet I feel torn. I love West Side Story but I feel conflicted about the ending
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Karen
My personal opinion Rita Moreno was not right for that character Valentino. And that character should not have been put in the movie. Rita Moreno was excellent as Anita in the 1961 version.
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My personal opinion Rita Moreno was not right for that character Valentino. And that character should not have been put in the movie. Rita Moreno was excellent as Anita in the 1961 version.
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BethMaxwell_04
The first time I watched West Side Story was in Middle School/Junior High. I loved the movie and it was the musical version of Romeo and Juliet to me at my age at the time.
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The first time I watched West Side Story was in Middle School/Junior High. I loved the movie and it was the musical version of Romeo and Juliet to me at my age at the time.
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Taylor
I was introduced to West Side Story in seventh grade. It also was my parents that love that musical. They even love the song Somewhere. West Side Story is a wonderful movie.
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I was introduced to West Side Story in seventh grade. It also was my parents that love that musical. They even love the song Somewhere. West Side Story is a wonderful movie.
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Olivia
I geared up in the the theatre when I heard Rita Moreno singing Somewhere. It was such a good move from Spielberg. RIP Sondheim! This musical will never be forgotten
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I geared up in the the theatre when I heard Rita Moreno singing Somewhere. It was such a good move from Spielberg. RIP Sondheim! This musical will never be forgotten
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Jennifer
Go look up the HAYS CODE from the 1930s to see why Hollywood could not do interacial couples. Natalie Wood and Beymer were both white so that was not interacial.
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Go look up the HAYS CODE from the 1930s to see why Hollywood could not do interacial couples. Natalie Wood and Beymer were both white so that was not interacial.
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