Top 10 Differences Between West Side Story (2021) & (1961)
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
David
I much prefer the 1960s version. The new version does not come close to creating the magic of the original. Most importantly the choreography of the 1960s version rocks compared to the 2021 version. There is almost constant dance movement throughout the original film. And the dancing is much more up close and intimate in the original. You can feel it! Riff in the current version can only dream of doing the moves that the original Riff is capable of doing. Easy to see that the actor in the original was a gymnast along with being a dancer. The original Riff is off the charts. The new Tony (Ansel Elgort) is hopelessly miscast. He is just awful. A listless performance. Not believable that he was ever a bad boy. A Time For Us being sung by the new Valentina character (I liked this character otherwise) rather than Tony and Maria ruins the drama at the end of the movie. The Song is meant for Maria and Tony. It is much more their song. And Moreno's voice is no longer up to the challenge of this song. (Sorry Rita, I love you but it is true) What a mistake Spielberg made! The continuity in the new film is a disaster. If I did not already know the story line it would be difficult to follow what is happening. More detail about the characters is nice but it makes the story line loose focus and become tedious to watch. Too much talk and not enough singing and dancing. It's a musical. Despite the vintage vehicles the new version feels like 2021 more than 1961. The feel is just wrong. I must say the Rachel Zelgler in the new version as Maria is awesome. Incredible voice! Too bad she did not have a better Tony to play against. Overall the new film is a huge disappointment compared to the original film or even the Broadway reprisal a few years ago. We watched the old version the night after watching the new version and were blown away by the original. Bernstein beats Spielberg hands down daddy O.
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I much prefer the 1960s version. The new version does not come close to creating the magic of the original. Most importantly the choreography of the 1960s version rocks compared to the 2021 version. There is almost constant dance movement throughout the original film. And the dancing is much more up close and intimate in the original. You can feel it! Riff in the current version can only dream of doing the moves that the original Riff is capable of doing. Easy to see that the actor in the original was a gymnast along with being a dancer. The original Riff is off the charts. The new Tony (Ansel Elgort) is hopelessly miscast. He is just awful. A listless performance. Not believable that he was ever a bad boy. A Time For Us being sung by the new Valentina character (I liked this character otherwise) rather than Tony and Maria ruins the drama at the end of the movie. The Song is meant for Maria and Tony. It is much more their song. And Moreno's voice is no longer up to the challenge of this song. (Sorry Rita, I love you but it is true) What a mistake Spielberg made! The continuity in the new film is a disaster. If I did not already know the story line it would be difficult to follow what is happening. More detail about the characters is nice but it makes the story line loose focus and become tedious to watch. Too much talk and not enough singing and dancing. It's a musical. Despite the vintage vehicles the new version feels like 2021 more than 1961. The feel is just wrong. I must say the Rachel Zelgler in the new version as Maria is awesome. Incredible voice! Too bad she did not have a better Tony to play against. Overall the new film is a huge disappointment compared to the original film or even the Broadway reprisal a few years ago. We watched the old version the night after watching the new version and were blown away by the original. Bernstein beats Spielberg hands down daddy O.
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Gary
As a movie and musical theater fanatic i have a few things to add to this discussion. 1st. In the original broadway production Somewhere is sung offstage by faceless soprano during a dream ballet where Maria and Tony fantasize about a world free of hate. 2nd. The 1961 movie changed the order of some songs to keep a rising line of tension needed for a movie where there is no intermission unlike a Broadway show. I still think this was wise as I Feel Pretty (sung inexplicabley in this remake as a big production number in a department store by an army of cleaning ladies) feels weird after the rumble where two guys have just been killed. In a theater after intermission it was meant as the beginning of a new dramatic arc leading up to the tragic ending. 3rd. Leonard Bernstein score was a groundbreaking revolutionary score that is moving and powerful no matter who is interpretating it. Its almost impossible not to be moved by it. I loved alot of the changes Kushner and Spielberg brought to their movie but disliked some things. The 1961 films placement of cool and I feel pretty worked better for me when you consider there is no theatrical intermission and the last scene was far far more tragic and moving. The song Maria sings should have been (has to be) Somewhere NOT Tonight.
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As a movie and musical theater fanatic i have a few things to add to this discussion. 1st. In the original broadway production Somewhere is sung offstage by faceless soprano during a dream ballet where Maria and Tony fantasize about a world free of hate. 2nd. The 1961 movie changed the order of some songs to keep a rising line of tension needed for a movie where there is no intermission unlike a Broadway show. I still think this was wise as I Feel Pretty (sung inexplicabley in this remake as a big production number in a department store by an army of cleaning ladies) feels weird after the rumble where two guys have just been killed. In a theater after intermission it was meant as the beginning of a new dramatic arc leading up to the tragic ending. 3rd. Leonard Bernstein score was a groundbreaking revolutionary score that is moving and powerful no matter who is interpretating it. Its almost impossible not to be moved by it. I loved alot of the changes Kushner and Spielberg brought to their movie but disliked some things. The 1961 films placement of cool and I feel pretty worked better for me when you consider there is no theatrical intermission and the last scene was far far more tragic and moving. The song Maria sings should have been (has to be) Somewhere NOT Tonight.
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Ron
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.
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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.
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The
I preferred the 1961 version. Spielberg did make some great improvements in making it more authentic but for every improvement he made, he sacrificed three good things about the 1961 version. Some of the worst things were:
I hated Spielberg's song order especially Maria singing I feel pretty after Bernardo's death. Why on Earth would Maria feel pretty after Bernardo's death?
The ending of the 2021 version felt summarized with important details left out. Also, when Tony's arm flopped in the 2021 version, it looked so fake as opposed to the 1961 version where it honestly looked like they were struggling to carry his body.
And while Chino's role was fleshed out, the roles of Ice, Baby John and Anybodies were reduced to stereotypes, especially with the song Officer Krupke where in the 1961 version, the Jets were allowed to be unique but in the 2021 version, all the Jets were clones.
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I preferred the 1961 version. Spielberg did make some great improvements in making it more authentic but for every improvement he made, he sacrificed three good things about the 1961 version. Some of the worst things were:
I hated Spielberg's song order especially Maria singing I feel pretty after Bernardo's death. Why on Earth would Maria feel pretty after Bernardo's death?
The ending of the 2021 version felt summarized with important details left out. Also, when Tony's arm flopped in the 2021 version, it looked so fake as opposed to the 1961 version where it honestly looked like they were struggling to carry his body.
And while Chino's role was fleshed out, the roles of Ice, Baby John and Anybodies were reduced to stereotypes, especially with the song Officer Krupke where in the 1961 version, the Jets were allowed to be unique but in the 2021 version, all the Jets were clones.
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Chris
I was in my schools production so Im fairly familiar with the Theater one, and saw the 61 one a few times while I was working on stuff for that and I havent seen the FULL 2021 movie yet, but I will say I LOVE the way that Spielberg approaches this.
The songs are still kept true with the same musicality, but the setting changes to aid the realism is such a great move, the focus on expanding the themes and I absolutely love the idea to not subtitle the Spanish. The themes have become so much more strong and powerful imo and Im a big fan of the focus on the messaging and imaging. The Casting was elite, and the minor changes that they did make either enhanced the original intent and message of 61 and the Play or at worst didnt affect it at all and left the original tone intact.
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I was in my schools production so Im fairly familiar with the Theater one, and saw the 61 one a few times while I was working on stuff for that and I havent seen the FULL 2021 movie yet, but I will say I LOVE the way that Spielberg approaches this.
The songs are still kept true with the same musicality, but the setting changes to aid the realism is such a great move, the focus on expanding the themes and I absolutely love the idea to not subtitle the Spanish. The themes have become so much more strong and powerful imo and Im a big fan of the focus on the messaging and imaging. The Casting was elite, and the minor changes that they did make either enhanced the original intent and message of 61 and the Play or at worst didnt affect it at all and left the original tone intact.
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O.
I'm really surprised at the fact that no one mentions Anybodys. Their gender is not even clear in 1961 adaptation, neither is their future with the Jets. Their role is kinda half-baked, and as a trans person, it left a bad taste in my mouth. 2021 adaptation made him a trans man very clearly, played by a nonbinary actor too (not to mention he wears clothes pretty similar to what the Jets wear, and not a weird sleeveless T-shirt) - showed that he can fight no worse than any Jet - despite leaving the age-typical bigotry, cut out the stuff such as you're a girl, so be one - and made him help carry Tony's body, which suggests he'll be able to join the Jets in the future. Seriously, the representation in this film warms my heart.
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I'm really surprised at the fact that no one mentions Anybodys. Their gender is not even clear in 1961 adaptation, neither is their future with the Jets. Their role is kinda half-baked, and as a trans person, it left a bad taste in my mouth. 2021 adaptation made him a trans man very clearly, played by a nonbinary actor too (not to mention he wears clothes pretty similar to what the Jets wear, and not a weird sleeveless T-shirt) - showed that he can fight no worse than any Jet - despite leaving the age-typical bigotry, cut out the stuff such as you're a girl, so be one - and made him help carry Tony's body, which suggests he'll be able to join the Jets in the future. Seriously, the representation in this film warms my heart.
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Michael
Spielberg's version is far better for me as a musician. I love the attention detail in the 2021 version. The extras on the DVD release explain the story.
In perhaps the greatest improvement of Spielberg's take the characters actually sing the music instead of lip syncing someone else singing their parts.
Big musical settings are gigantic in Spielberg's version. America is simply amazing in the new film.
Most important of all, Spielberg's version is not a remake of the 1961 film. Spielberg made his version as an interpretation of the theater production. Dance is far more important in the new film and credit is openly given to the original dance choreography.
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Spielberg's version is far better for me as a musician. I love the attention detail in the 2021 version. The extras on the DVD release explain the story.
In perhaps the greatest improvement of Spielberg's take the characters actually sing the music instead of lip syncing someone else singing their parts.
Big musical settings are gigantic in Spielberg's version. America is simply amazing in the new film.
Most important of all, Spielberg's version is not a remake of the 1961 film. Spielberg made his version as an interpretation of the theater production. Dance is far more important in the new film and credit is openly given to the original dance choreography.
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Noel
I had seen both West Side Story versions; in as much as both were OK, IMHO the reboot by Steven Spielberg was much more brilliant and more adept with the changing trends in cinema. Luv the way the characters were given much more depth, with their backgrounds that were not showcased in the 1961 flick. Moreover, the singing in Spielberg's version was much more brilliant and more natural, featuring the REAL voices of the actors, unlike in the early flick when they were dubbed--especially that of Natalie Wood as Maria. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler hit their notes very, very well: -)
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I had seen both West Side Story versions; in as much as both were OK, IMHO the reboot by Steven Spielberg was much more brilliant and more adept with the changing trends in cinema. Luv the way the characters were given much more depth, with their backgrounds that were not showcased in the 1961 flick. Moreover, the singing in Spielberg's version was much more brilliant and more natural, featuring the REAL voices of the actors, unlike in the early flick when they were dubbed--especially that of Natalie Wood as Maria. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler hit their notes very, very well: -)
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Gravity
He didn't want to give English the power over the Spanish. What a bunch of bull crappy; AND THAT MEANS I WILL NOT BE WATCHING THIS REMAKE! Also, really pissed at the re-writting of history with the idea that in the 1950's teens did not have parents in the home. In fact, intact famlies was the norm until welfare came along in the early '60's which drove the male elder family members out of the households so that the households could get the welfare checks, thus making the federal government the male in the family.
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He didn't want to give English the power over the Spanish. What a bunch of bull crappy; AND THAT MEANS I WILL NOT BE WATCHING THIS REMAKE! Also, really pissed at the re-writting of history with the idea that in the 1950's teens did not have parents in the home. In fact, intact famlies was the norm until welfare came along in the early '60's which drove the male elder family members out of the households so that the households could get the welfare checks, thus making the federal government the male in the family.
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thelex001
This little feature is compelling evidence that WSS 2021 surpasses the original, for which I've been in the tank since it's theatrical release, saw it 7 times in 1961-1962, saw at least a half dozen revivals and a few more local theatrical troupe efforts, and own it in every video format. Spielberg and company have done the impossible and made a better film in every single dimension. except for dance and image elements of the Prologue (the details of which I'll spare you.
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This little feature is compelling evidence that WSS 2021 surpasses the original, for which I've been in the tank since it's theatrical release, saw it 7 times in 1961-1962, saw at least a half dozen revivals and a few more local theatrical troupe efforts, and own it in every video format. Spielberg and company have done the impossible and made a better film in every single dimension. except for dance and image elements of the Prologue (the details of which I'll spare you.
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Celia
I don't think a comparison is suitable in this case as the 1961 film was ground-breaking. It is definitely my favorite. However, the 2021 version is a great film and fair tribute, it also provides opportunity to new generations to appreciate this masterpiece of Sondheim and all the excelent artists that were part of it. Considering the context in which the first one was produced and the effect it caused in those days, it is nothing less than extraordinary.
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I don't think a comparison is suitable in this case as the 1961 film was ground-breaking. It is definitely my favorite. However, the 2021 version is a great film and fair tribute, it also provides opportunity to new generations to appreciate this masterpiece of Sondheim and all the excelent artists that were part of it. Considering the context in which the first one was produced and the effect it caused in those days, it is nothing less than extraordinary.
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Eamon
I really like that Steven Spielberg made Maria a more proactive character who thinks for herself and isnt afraid to stand up to her brother Bernardo and Anita and Chino. Rachel Zegler knocked it out of the park with her performance and was the standout. Steven Spielberg choose the right actress for Maria. Considering this is her film debut and her first film role Rachel Zegler understood the assignment and delivered
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I really like that Steven Spielberg made Maria a more proactive character who thinks for herself and isnt afraid to stand up to her brother Bernardo and Anita and Chino. Rachel Zegler knocked it out of the park with her performance and was the standout. Steven Spielberg choose the right actress for Maria. Considering this is her film debut and her first film role Rachel Zegler understood the assignment and delivered
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D. E. B.
Great. They think that those of us who don't speak Spanish should go back to school to learn it, so that we can watch THEIR movie? Because you can't be bothered to add subtitles? So we won't be able to understand the story, only the HIspanic people in America can? And you want us to pay to be insulted? Nope, no thank you. Take your 2021 West Side Story and stick it you know where.
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Great. They think that those of us who don't speak Spanish should go back to school to learn it, so that we can watch THEIR movie? Because you can't be bothered to add subtitles? So we won't be able to understand the story, only the HIspanic people in America can? And you want us to pay to be insulted? Nope, no thank you. Take your 2021 West Side Story and stick it you know where.
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Haley
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.
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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.
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Michael
I knew when I heard they were remaking West Side Story, I immediately had one thought: if the line Puerto Rico, my hearts devotion, let it sink back to the ocean was changed, this was a remake from a POLITICALLY CORRECT P#SSY. Turned out I was right. What person, what Irishman, what Italian, doesn't say to himself, if it was so good there, why did my people move here?
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I knew when I heard they were remaking West Side Story, I immediately had one thought: if the line Puerto Rico, my hearts devotion, let it sink back to the ocean was changed, this was a remake from a POLITICALLY CORRECT P#SSY. Turned out I was right. What person, what Irishman, what Italian, doesn't say to himself, if it was so good there, why did my people move here?
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agenttheater5
Something I just realised - in either movie do we ever actually see a tree? Apart from the ones we see briefly in the overhead shot at the beginning of the 60s movie.
I'm trying to think if we ever saw any natural green in the set of either movie, and all I'm coming up with is rows of houses (standing or falling apart) half of which kind of look alike
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Something I just realised - in either movie do we ever actually see a tree? Apart from the ones we see briefly in the overhead shot at the beginning of the 60s movie.
I'm trying to think if we ever saw any natural green in the set of either movie, and all I'm coming up with is rows of houses (standing or falling apart) half of which kind of look alike
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ECR
The 2021 orchestra and sound are, if possible, better: the dances are fantastic and, yes, better. That said, the added scenes and dialogues are boring, too long and useless to the story. Being as admirer of Spielberg, I cannot understand what came over him to do this film. Give me the original version - although it IS somewhat dated - anytime.
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The 2021 orchestra and sound are, if possible, better: the dances are fantastic and, yes, better. That said, the added scenes and dialogues are boring, too long and useless to the story. Being as admirer of Spielberg, I cannot understand what came over him to do this film. Give me the original version - although it IS somewhat dated - anytime.
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luvmuzik4me
For me it was gratifying that there finally was a decent MUSICAL movie made after the disasters of Les Miz, Cats, just to name a few. It was a good movie, but for me not nearly as good as the original. It also screams 2020's instead of the 1950's. The original movie was pure magic. In my opinion, probably the best movie ever made!
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For me it was gratifying that there finally was a decent MUSICAL movie made after the disasters of Les Miz, Cats, just to name a few. It was a good movie, but for me not nearly as good as the original. It also screams 2020's instead of the 1950's. The original movie was pure magic. In my opinion, probably the best movie ever made!
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AmoebaInk
I liked things about the new film, but switching Doc to a woman, giving Somewhere to her, and putting I feel pretty before the rumble kept it from being a great film.
Particularly as it came out so close to In the Heights, it felt like they were trying to hit the same beats as Abuela's solo, and it just didn't work as well.
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I liked things about the new film, but switching Doc to a woman, giving Somewhere to her, and putting I feel pretty before the rumble kept it from being a great film.
Particularly as it came out so close to In the Heights, it felt like they were trying to hit the same beats as Abuela's solo, and it just didn't work as well.
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fanjoy
The dishonest dubbing of singing voices of the leads in the 1961 version in my mind is the giant detriment of that version, but, oddly, this video does not mention that difference to the 2021 remake. Say what you want about the 2021 Tony and Maria (which should be positive) they at least sign their own songs!
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The dishonest dubbing of singing voices of the leads in the 1961 version in my mind is the giant detriment of that version, but, oddly, this video does not mention that difference to the 2021 remake. Say what you want about the 2021 Tony and Maria (which should be positive) they at least sign their own songs!
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tubeyouuser
Love Spielberg but I couldnt get through more than 30 minutes of this without turning it off. The actors playing Tony and Maria were pretty bad, IMHO. The actress playing 2021 Anita was very good. Not Rita Moreno good, but she held her own and was well deserving of her many awards for the role.
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Love Spielberg but I couldnt get through more than 30 minutes of this without turning it off. The actors playing Tony and Maria were pretty bad, IMHO. The actress playing 2021 Anita was very good. Not Rita Moreno good, but she held her own and was well deserving of her many awards for the role.
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AlexRN
Born, raised, and live in Mexico and Im here to say two things: 1) 2021 WSS was incredible and its a crime it bombed at the box office and 2) I hate the term Latinx with all my heart. I wish Americans whod stop using it. Less than 2% of Latinos use it to identify themselves as that.
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Born, raised, and live in Mexico and Im here to say two things: 1) 2021 WSS was incredible and its a crime it bombed at the box office and 2) I hate the term Latinx with all my heart. I wish Americans whod stop using it. Less than 2% of Latinos use it to identify themselves as that.
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MusicloverX88
Love that they had actual Latinos playing Latino characters. Original one was good, but it just felt a little off. Probably helps too that I didnt exactly growing up watching it and only saw it for the first time saw last year. I definitely hate Chino in both films!
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Love that they had actual Latinos playing Latino characters. Original one was good, but it just felt a little off. Probably helps too that I didnt exactly growing up watching it and only saw it for the first time saw last year. I definitely hate Chino in both films!
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Lady
I loved it, but I still wish they would have kept Cool after the rumble. That scene was so emotional, raw, and powerful in the 1961 film. I know the 2021 film placement is more true to the stage production, but I thought it was an incredible choice for the 1961 version.
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I loved it, but I still wish they would have kept Cool after the rumble. That scene was so emotional, raw, and powerful in the 1961 film. I know the 2021 film placement is more true to the stage production, but I thought it was an incredible choice for the 1961 version.
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Peter
oCheck out Cool 1961 West Side Story far superior to this version. Have watched both the 1961 and 2021 films hard to understand the need to do a remake, 2021 version not an improvement on the 1961 film and no chemistry between the. two leads in the 2021 version
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oCheck out Cool 1961 West Side Story far superior to this version. Have watched both the 1961 and 2021 films hard to understand the need to do a remake, 2021 version not an improvement on the 1961 film and no chemistry between the. two leads in the 2021 version
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Mikey
I have'nt seen the new remake yet but I know Steven Spielberg can handle the new version well West Side Story is my Favorite Broadway Musical and Somewhere no matter how the singers sung it in different tiempo and style it still captivate my heart
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I have'nt seen the new remake yet but I know Steven Spielberg can handle the new version well West Side Story is my Favorite Broadway Musical and Somewhere no matter how the singers sung it in different tiempo and style it still captivate my heart
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Mark
It was a poor decision by Spielberg to NOT subtitle the Spanish--he said it would be an insult to the Hispanic community. Think of all the Spanish only speakers. the whole movie should have been dubbed for them to understand.
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It was a poor decision by Spielberg to NOT subtitle the Spanish--he said it would be an insult to the Hispanic community. Think of all the Spanish only speakers. the whole movie should have been dubbed for them to understand.
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Amy
It has been a long time coming to the 2021 version where American diversity was more truly represented. On the other hand, the faithfulness of Romeo and Juliet is not accurately depicted in either version of Westside Story.
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It has been a long time coming to the 2021 version where American diversity was more truly represented. On the other hand, the faithfulness of Romeo and Juliet is not accurately depicted in either version of Westside Story.
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Eileen
A movie that should not have been remade. The original is it. Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Rita Moreno. Even John Astin. Russ Tamblyn as Riff. The dance choreography. The whole ambiance of the movie. Leave it stand.
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A movie that should not have been remade. The original is it. Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Rita Moreno. Even John Astin. Russ Tamblyn as Riff. The dance choreography. The whole ambiance of the movie. Leave it stand.
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karidrgn
One big change is that Rita was forced to darken her skin as Anita cause they didn't think her normal skin color was enough to show her as PR, when she's a native PR. That's another detail Spielberg fixed.
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One big change is that Rita was forced to darken her skin as Anita cause they didn't think her normal skin color was enough to show her as PR, when she's a native PR. That's another detail Spielberg fixed.
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