Anyone notice Riff smiles a little bit at Anita after she yells "Ponle fuego, vamos!" ? I wonder how he felt about her and I wonder what kind of direction Spielberg gave Faist.
I noticed this too! And after the scene where Anita was almost assaulted and Graziella tries to stop it, I notice she mostly looks at Anita with almost admiration and respect during this dance sequence. Like she maybe had a playful rivalry with her but not hate.
Anyone else here completely obsessed with David Alvarez(Bernardo)'s beautiful spinning leap at 6:28? just me? Makes me want to go back in time to watch his Tony winning performance in Billy Elliot.
I absolutely love the colors here. The Sharks are relative to pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows. And the Jets are more shades of blue. Really shows the separation of the two groups.
I know that Maria's dress had to be the iconic white with red belt. But she looks a little out of place with all the Puerto Rican girls in bright colors. She looks like she's going to her first commuion, instead of a dance. Just saying. I know the point was to make her character stand out.
@@Hannah-cg1lh I mean, I always saw the white dress with red belt as her innocent overpowering the violence of the Sharks, but still there to represent her being Puerto Rican.
Herself and Tony are both wearing white. She’s in the white dress with the red belt to visually convey her affiliation to the Sharks and Tony is wearing the navy blazer over the white shirt to convey his connection with the Jets
I like that Chino gets a much broader role here. We can see the fire banked underneath his seemingly milquetoast exterior and his willingness to engage with the others and Maria after an initial hesitation. It marks the signs of his growing aggression and explains his willingness to turn to violence later in the film.
4:39 Mike Faist and Ariana DeBose’s chemistry is actually incredible. The way Riff smiled at Anita is iconic. We were totally robbed, I think they had a more natural chemistry than AE and Rachel as the lead couple. And Riff definitely wanted to cross the line for Anita at 6:08
@@likeacorpse They’re really outstanding on-screen, I’m sure Spielberg secretly wanted to direct them as the star-crossed lovers of his version, hence these little unexpected parts where they’re very close. Did you notice their smirks here? 5:50 - 5:56 It made my heart beat faster 6:03 he was either seducing her or Bernardo with that smile while dancing
UGH RIGHT?! I desperately wanted to see them dance together! 😭 Their chemistry is clearly there! I often wonder how they'd interact in a scene with just them together. If only!❤🔥
What could have been cool for the plot: Anita and Riff start to fall in love and they start and affair, and she's heartbroken for both Bernardo and Riff!!
Krupke saying “What’s the matter with you guys? Pretty girls wantin’ to dance and you’se can think of is to beat up one another!” Just sums up the whole film. He’s so real for that
@@joewhitehead3 If you think about it, Tony and Maria are not a good match for the reason that Tony is a felon, who could not give Maria a good life. That is something that is important for a relationship, especially for the 50’s where a lot of women were primarily homemakers.
@@joewhitehead3 He was but his criminal past would still be a major factor in his life and his progress. Maybe it was easier in the 50’s but being a felon today makes it hard to do many things. I can’t imagine back what it would have been like back then. May I remind you that he went to jail for a violent offense? If it was a nonviolent offense different story.
That is the whole point. If Maria wanted to dance with Chino in the 61 movie, she wouldn't have been looking for someone else to be with. The 61 Chino was a wimp, Nobody wanted to get with that guy, we were all looking for Tony, who wouldn't? But that sort of changes the whole theme of the movie, no?
This was electrifying and magical. I actually prefer this over the 1961 version due the fluid camera movement, innovative choreography and superior production design.
I think both films represent their time's capabilities of movie making, they are both very wonderful. I love the old version more tough, as in my opinion the use of the studio brings a great atmosphere to that movie. But I get what your saying, both movies are great.
I love both films for totally different reasons. I love the new version due to the points you mentioned plus the more street like choreo by Justin Peck making it more attached to a blue collar working class reality. Love the 1961 version due to Robbins’ unmatched ballet/gymnastic synchronised to the inch type choreo an Wise’s wide shot framing showing the entire group of dancers head to tow like you’re watching the play taking place in front of you on stage. Spielberg chose to put the camera inside the dance number making it more intense and immersive. Two different styles, two different results. Love both!
Man, as a dude who definitely doesn't have much in the way of dance moves and 100% knows it, Bernardo is A+++ friend material at 7:00. When you finally get the courage to break out of your comfort zone and get out on the floor, you need a buddy like that.
2:35 I LOVE that Puerto Rican girl on the right's gold dress! It's so pretty! And what's funny about the "Mambo" scene is that in the original, it was obvious that the Puerto Ricans are the better dancers, but in this one, both groups have got amazing choreography.
Spielberg is the greatest filmmaker alive. And this was just a visual feast. That part when the ladies get in each other's faces at 6:07 was straight magic the first time I saw it in theaters. Just like with Munich, there's no end to the beautiful, perfectly thought out imagery. This film was filmmaking masterclass.
Ariana De Bose really takes command of that whole scene! Everyone forgets that the original Anita was Chita Rivera. It is probably the best role written for a Latina woman.
I'll never forget Rita Moreno, who was Anita in the 1961 film, and the only actual Puerto Rican in the cast of the movie! She received an Academy Award for her performance! Ariana De Bose is also great!
@@troyannbladsacker1811 Thats what Steven wanted, to use actual spanish that makes them sound authentic but where non spanish speakers could still get the basics of what they were saying through the characters tone
Yep, but Krupke knew Tony. How did he not tell Schrank it was "Tony" dancing with Maria. The police were looking for a "white stranger." The whole place knew it was Tony.
I love the new choreography and filming of this scene. It’s so kinetic and aggressive. I only wish it was longer with more Riff/Grazie and Bernardo/Anita dance moments.
I love the contrast between the chaos and speed of the music and dancers, and the slow, almost dreamlike movements of Tony and Maria. This is a great scene.
This whole scene but particularly the 1+ minute oner of the camera following the characters coming into the gym, panning over everyone then coming down the other end of the room and follow the dance number with multiple pairs back across at very low angle to capture and end with officer’s Krupke interaction, is a pure masterclass in directing. Everything camera movement, blocking, lighting. Spielberg is on steroids here!
The cinematography and colors were wers geat, too bad they couldn't get the choreography as well. Wish they had done some ballroom & creative Lindy. They had great dancers, they could have done more than that boring mambo. Should have mixed it up with all that talent.
Justin Peck did the impossible and recreated an iconic dance sequence and made it his own while still paying respect to Jerome Robbins and it’s amazing.
Anita's Charcter and Riff's Character are well portrayed by the actor and the actress!! : 4:39 Anita calling the shots got me riled up! Her dancing and character makes me want to get off of my seat and let my feet do the dancing! XD 5:53 Just a simple "Let's go boys!" from Riff also got me riled up (makes me want to join the dance)! And seeing Maddie in this movie made me so happy!!!
The mambo scene from both the 1961 and the 2021 version are breathtaking. I love both films as they included different aspects and different choreography. Definitely happy that I was able to see both ♥
i cant stop thinking about this scene ahh its so good - the colors are fantastic and the choreography and the fashion and how perfect everyone is, its just perfection
I love how in this version everything made sense in terms of placement. In the original, when Maria and Tony meet together, the background just fades to black with dancers in the background but in this they're behind the bleachers...IT MAKES SENSE! I love the original but the realism is what makes this remake work. Same with the "America" sequence there's pacing and different locations instead of just being on the roof like the original. I love both films for what they are. Amazing!
Realism is overrated in musicals. In what "reality" do people suddenly break into song and dance? In the original, the background fading to black is meant to illustrate how the entire world seems to fade away as these two young people discover each other and fall in love. It was metaphorical rather than realistic and, in a musical setting, that is perfectly acceptable.
I just realized that the way Tony and Maria locked eyes and walked towards each other is very similar to how Romeo and Juliet meet in the 1968 Zeffirelli version! I love it!
YES! I had the same thought! How in the 1968 film, Juliet was dancing in a group and Romeo was stalking around the perimeter looking at her, and then how they met behind the curtain (?) was like how in this version they met under the seats. Of course Spielberg would have researched that film!
0:35 I love how Anybodys, Tony and Maria are wearing timeless clothes. It goes to show how ahead of their times they are compared to the other characters.
Anybody's clothes consist of a baggy t-shirt, a slightly oversized jacket, jeans with holes in the knees and grubby sneakers. They don't look timeless so much as if s/he couldn't be bothered to dress up for the occasion.
Faist was the perfect Riff! Love how Spielberg corrected Riff's demeanor from the '61 Version. Russ in '61 stepped out first to form the circle but gave Gratzi a "get over here" head gesture where as Faist stepped out second and was a gentleman by extending his hand to Gratzi. I also love the dance Faist did @6:20 was very similar to a dance Russ did in '61. Faist's dancing abilities are similar to those of Kelly and Astaire and his facial expressions add to the greatness of his movements. I'm extremely shocked he didn't win an Oscar for "Best Male Supporting Actor."
2:04 I noticed how Graziella and Riff are excessively flirting and showing off while Anita and Bernardo are more classy and reserved, but still seductive and charismatic!
Did anyone see Anita and grazi kinda nod and smile at each other a little bit? Like a knowing respect for one another and like a “ok let’s do this” type deal. It was after the guys got their girls and before the full number took place? Around 4:55. It was the most interesting little thing! I had to rewind several times
I love the details through the movie about how the boys are at each other’s throats, but the girls don’t want to fight. Graziella is laughing and having fun and Anita is looking at her like “You’re a good dancer” but the boys are straight up glaring. Earlier, when Bernardo and Riff bump into each other and both gangs fight, the girls are trying to pull the boys back. I like Krupke’s line “What the matter with you guys? Pretty girls wanting to dance and all you can think of is to beat up each other!” And later in dance at the gym, Grazi mentions that she just wanted to dance.
I absolutely love the costuming in this like the kind of almost casual jets and the sharks coming in dressed to kill. And OMG Anita’s dress IM OBSESSED!!!
I had a huge smile on my face when I saw this for the first time. Everything about this scene is perfect. No hate to the 1961 WSS because it's good, but the 2021 dance scene blew the 1961 dance scene out of the water
Look at 2:50 - 3:03 and you'll see how cute Riff and Graziella are being together. Him whispering in her ear and playfully dancing with her. Loved them together, plus they were very sexual in the opening scene of the movie! But I don't understand why Tony Kushner wasted time creating a backstory for her and Tony. The last thing this story needed was another love triangle.
While I felt like they could've elaborated on the love triangle more in the drugstore later, if you notice Grazie lingering with Tony for that extra half second it makes how it all went down a it better
@@Tulips85 I never said it was? It’s an appropriate response to see your old fling after a while and I meant that if you see the little notes here and there it would make the latter scene make sense
Tony was really good here-totally believeable when he first spotted Maria, and continued to watch her. His face was priceless with the dawn of understanding, before they met.
This scene was the biggest concern I had going into this 2021. After seeing this scene I knew Spielberg made love to this movie and made it better (thought that was impossible).
Luckily for me, I went to advance screening for West Side Story in LA and the cast and Spielberg were there doing a Q&A event. After that, I met Spielberg and he was pretty chill. After meeting him for a bit, the movie started and it did blew my mind on how good this movie was. Now that’s what a call an movie theater experience.
I agree. I'm a huge fan of the 1961 movie, but Jerome Robbins had been fired before the Dance at the Gym sequence was shot and it suffered without his intense direction. The wide angle shot lost energy. The active camera in the 2021 film bringing the viewer in and through the dancers really added energy.
Did anyone notice the raging bisexual energy Riff, Anita and Graziella radiated in this scene? 1:33 Anita checks out BOTH Graziella and Riff. 1:48 that’s close! It looks like they had a story together. 2:06 Riff gently asking “do you wanna dance buddy?” to Bernardo, who was probably internally screaming... 4:40 pan solidarity 4:55 Graziella smiles at Anita (who’s checking her out again) while Riff smiles only at Bernardo... 5:01 they form a rainbow when they dance together 5:16 Tony is gentle with Anybodys 5:19 Riff is himself and happy, and surprisingly innocent while hugging Tony 5:50 both Riff and Graziella are genuinely enjoying Bernardo and Anita’s moves! 6:07 Riff seemed besotted
It’s probably the different angles and costuming, his shirt is more fitted here and it shows off his physique which is rather toned and he has some muscle but jts easily hidden by loose fitting clothes.
CODA is a great film, but IMHO, West Side Story is the Best Picture of it's year. To not only match, but perhaps exceed the 1961 version is an incredible accomplishment. This entire gym scene is a masterpiece.
It was criminally ignored and fought against, at least at the box office. Especially by the loud old head voices of: “tHe 1961 vErSiOn is IcOniC aNd CaNnOt be ToUcHed nO rEaSoN fOr A rEmAkE!!” First of all there’s no such thing as a remake when it comes to musicals or theatrical plays. And that was the 2nd film adaptation. Let’s not talk about how many film adaptations we have of Romeo & Juliet, Pinocchio, Christmas Carol, The Great Gatsby, Phantom Of The Opera, Chicago, Cinderella, Les Miserables, Wizard Of Oz etc. And no one bats an eyelid. Second of all it gave a different more street and lifelike (less ballet like, less theatrical) take of the story, a totally different framework, which as a huge fan of the 1961 Wise version I loved it. It wasn’t better, it was DIFFERENT. Spielberg wanted a different flavour of the story and he NAILED IT, almost (the end was anticlimactic). The choreography was more grounded, the characters more layered, more relatable to normal street/gang characters and far more blue collar-rough patched (lees dreamy college buttered pimples face) looking. The reason the film flopped was because musicals (except for animation) are way past due for our times, was released during the end of the pandemic, people (mostly old heads) would constantly hold on to nostalgia of the 1961 version and kept bushing it. Despite all that it managed to receive 7 academy award nominations and enormous critical acclaim by the majority of the critics and the few who saw it (score on RT). It will never be as iconic as Wise’s version but IMHO stands right by side it on almost all counts.
just realised this after watching for the 1000th time, but i noticed the sharks + the prs all wear warm colours in this scene, and the jets + other white people wear cold colours. very cool design choice!
Choreo is amazing. Wish I could've seen all of it. Someone tell Spielberg to stop moving that darn camera and keep it still. How am I supposed to appreciate the choreo from constant movements and cutting from low angles to high angles.
Eh, personally I think the camera movement and editing works. The choreography is world-class (Bravo Justin Peck👏👏👏) but it’s not the *only* element of the scene. Spielberg also needs to convey plot through certain angels to capture dialogue and facial expressions. This isn’t a stage performance that’s in a “wide shot” by nature of the medium (which the 61 film adhered to mostly). Here the cinematography and editing are always justified in how they bring important elements of the story forward and add to the momentum of the number. Compare this to something like Chicago: the editing in that movie ranged from precise and focused to… cutting just because (and yet it won the Editing Oscar…). Here, I can’t think of a single unjustified shot. It’s pretty thrilling (in my opinion).
I kind of felt that way too on first watch I think because I was subconsciously comparing it to the original. Rewatching the scene I really appreciate the camera movement now.
I think it’s because the 61 version took a much slower tempo (slower than how Bernstein performed the music) that it’s easier to see the choreography. The 61 version has plenty of edits, and the 21 version has plenty of full-body shots of the dancing. I only wish there would have been a longer shot of the two rotating circles with the lead couples in the middle. That looked really cool. Also, I’m still used to the small-built Chino. This one reminds me too much of Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent.
@@clayflix9569 perfectly said. WSS was robbed of cinematography and editing at the Oscars. DUNE was technically excellent but WSS was on another level in those two categories. No living director knows camera movement and block framing better than Spielberg.
Anyone notice Riff smiles a little bit at Anita after she yells "Ponle fuego, vamos!" ? I wonder how he felt about her and I wonder what kind of direction Spielberg gave Faist.
Mike Faist loves Ariana Debose that’s why….
I noticed that too
I noticed this too! And after the scene where Anita was almost assaulted and Graziella tries to stop it, I notice she mostly looks at Anita with almost admiration and respect during this dance sequence. Like she maybe had a playful rivalry with her but not hate.
Really Say "Ponle huevo, vamos"
plural@@yamilartigas2014
Anyone else here completely obsessed with David Alvarez(Bernardo)'s beautiful spinning leap at 6:28? just me? Makes me want to go back in time to watch his Tony winning performance in Billy Elliot.
yesss idk why nobody's talking about it, it's absolutely amazing and the music oh god love it
Me. ❤
I love David Alvarez in west side story so much, he elevated the character even more!
Very impressive
I absolutely love the colors here. The Sharks are relative to pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows. And the Jets are more shades of blue. Really shows the separation of the two groups.
I know that Maria's dress had to be the iconic white with red belt. But she looks a little out of place with all the Puerto Rican girls in bright colors. She looks like she's going to her first commuion, instead of a dance. Just saying. I know the point was to make her character stand out.
@@karmad4491 I think also it was to make her seem more innocent than the other characters. White is a staple for purity/innocence etc etc
@@Hannah-cg1lh I mean, I always saw the white dress with red belt as her innocent overpowering the violence of the Sharks, but still there to represent her being Puerto Rican.
Herself and Tony are both wearing white. She’s in the white dress with the red belt to visually convey her affiliation to the Sharks and Tony is wearing the navy blazer over the white shirt to convey his connection with the Jets
@@esh4412 I think you're over-interpreting. I always thought the white dress conveyed Maria's youth and innocence.
I like that Chino gets a much broader role here. We can see the fire banked underneath his seemingly milquetoast exterior and his willingness to engage with the others and Maria after an initial hesitation. It marks the signs of his growing aggression and explains his willingness to turn to violence later in the film.
i totally agree! it makes the sweet guy pulling the trigger make MUCH more sense!
Seeing Bernardo and Anita hype him up made me so happy.
I just don't get why they would call him Chino
@@skinnymama12 His curly hair
@@skinnymama12 he had slanted eyes in the original movie but i guess they deemed it offensive so they gave him curly hair instead
I am OBSESSED with this scene. Definitely Spielberg's best film since A.I.
Lincoln
Gremlins and WSS r his best
Since Munich (2005) I’d say.
Fabulous - GReAT dancing - there’s a nice video about the making of this scene - the dark haired guy who plays tiger and also ice - are fantastic
@@musik3082 He didn’t direct Gremlins.
4:39 Mike Faist and Ariana DeBose’s chemistry is actually incredible. The way Riff smiled at Anita is iconic. We were totally robbed, I think they had a more natural chemistry than AE and Rachel as the lead couple. And Riff definitely wanted to cross the line for Anita at 6:08
I thought I was the only one that thought that! Their chemistry is insane
@@likeacorpse They’re really outstanding on-screen, I’m sure Spielberg secretly wanted to direct them as the star-crossed lovers of his version, hence these little unexpected parts where they’re very close. Did you notice their smirks here? 5:50 - 5:56
It made my heart beat faster
6:03 he was either seducing her or Bernardo with that smile while dancing
UGH RIGHT?! I desperately wanted to see them dance together! 😭
Their chemistry is clearly there! I often wonder how they'd interact in a scene with just them together. If only!❤🔥
I think they were perfect for their roles, but their chemistry was definitely their! Ariana was so captivating, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her 💜
What could have been cool for the plot: Anita and Riff start to fall in love and they start and affair, and she's heartbroken for both Bernardo and Riff!!
Krupke saying “What’s the matter with you guys? Pretty girls wantin’ to dance and you’se can think of is to beat up one another!” Just sums up the whole film. He’s so real for that
This is virtually impossible to not smile while watching Maria and Chino dance so happily, they’re so pure and adorable it’s actually refreshing
Let me guess, screw Tony?
@@joewhitehead3 If you think about it, Tony and Maria are not a good match for the reason that Tony is a felon, who could not give Maria a good life. That is something that is important for a relationship, especially for the 50’s where a lot of women were primarily homemakers.
@@taliavelazquez358 Tony was working on getting better
@@joewhitehead3 He was but his criminal past would still be a major factor in his life and his progress. Maybe it was easier in the 50’s but being a felon today makes it hard to do many things. I can’t imagine back what it would have been like back then. May I remind you that he went to jail for a violent offense? If it was a nonviolent offense different story.
That is the whole point. If Maria wanted to dance with Chino in the 61 movie, she wouldn't have been looking for someone else to be with. The 61 Chino was a wimp, Nobody wanted to get with that guy, we were all looking for Tony, who wouldn't? But that sort of changes the whole theme of the movie, no?
i love the detail of having the jet boys and girls and sharks boys and girls check each other out for some reason
Yes Riff was completely besotted by Anita
It's kind of a "sizing each other up" sort of thing.
This was electrifying and magical. I actually prefer this over the 1961 version due the fluid camera movement, innovative choreography and superior production design.
Love them both
I think both films represent their time's capabilities of movie making, they are both very wonderful. I love the old version more tough, as in my opinion the use of the studio brings a great atmosphere to that movie. But I get what your saying, both movies are great.
I love both films for totally different reasons. I love the new version due to the points you mentioned plus the more street like choreo by Justin Peck making it more attached to a blue collar working class reality.
Love the 1961 version due to Robbins’ unmatched ballet/gymnastic synchronised to the inch type choreo an Wise’s wide shot framing showing the entire group of dancers head to tow like you’re watching the play taking place in front of you on stage.
Spielberg chose to put the camera inside the dance number making it more intense and immersive. Two different styles, two different results. Love both!
i like the older version, maybe more use to it or it remembled my environment when i was growin up
sem
Man, as a dude who definitely doesn't have much in the way of dance moves and 100% knows it, Bernardo is A+++ friend material at 7:00. When you finally get the courage to break out of your comfort zone and get out on the floor, you need a buddy like that.
2:35 I LOVE that Puerto Rican girl on the right's gold dress! It's so pretty! And what's funny about the "Mambo" scene is that in the original, it was obvious that the Puerto Ricans are the better dancers, but in this one, both groups have got amazing choreography.
I love anna Isabella too! She’s amazing! I heard she’s working on a play version of Wss
Who else was DYING to see Riff and Anita dance together?! If only! ❤🔥
Me!! Their chemistry was fire 🔥 and the way they smirked at each other while dancing made me blush so hard
@@belle-ashton2167 SAME!! I need a fic about them now 😂
@@joanofnaboo I wrote something on Wattpad x)
@@belle-ashton2167 NO WAY! What’s it called?! I’m running to Wattpad rn 😝
@@belle-ashton2167 OMG REALLY? What's the name? 😥
Spielberg is the greatest filmmaker alive. And this was just a visual feast. That part when the ladies get in each other's faces at 6:07 was straight magic the first time I saw it in theaters. Just like with Munich, there's no end to the beautiful, perfectly thought out imagery. This film was filmmaking masterclass.
Ariana De Bose really takes command of that whole scene! Everyone forgets that the original Anita was Chita Rivera. It is probably the best role written for a Latina woman.
Well, not everyone got to see Chita as Anita in the Broadway show
I'll never forget Rita Moreno, who was Anita in the 1961 film, and the only actual Puerto Rican in the cast of the movie! She received an Academy Award for her performance! Ariana De Bose is also great!
I love Ariana’s line and the way she said it in this scene
What exactly did she say? I don’t speech Spanish and they don’t have subtitles on the movie.
@@beautyqueen8698 she hey javi put on fire let’s go, I don’t speak Spanish either but I take Spanish so I know what she said
@@dakotalassiter5431 thank you so much.
@@dakotalassiter5431 Thank you for interpreting. I still wish he would have put subtitles as I don't speak Spanish.
@@troyannbladsacker1811 Thats what Steven wanted, to use actual spanish that makes them sound authentic but where non spanish speakers could still get the basics of what they were saying through the characters tone
omg i just love that small detail where tony and krupke take a look at each other at 5:27 it’s so subtly hilarious
And anybodys poking out from behind tony
Yep, but Krupke knew Tony. How did he not tell Schrank it was "Tony" dancing with Maria. The police were looking for a "white stranger." The whole place knew it was Tony.
How about right before the mambo when Krupke is trying to get Anybodys kicked out? So much visual character development.
@@lonellfletcher That made me so sad. I can't imagine how much Anybodys must have been mistreated =(
I love the new choreography and filming of this scene. It’s so kinetic and aggressive. I only wish it was longer with more Riff/Grazie and Bernardo/Anita dance moments.
Forsure! We got alot of that in the '61 Adaptation
I love the contrast between the chaos and speed of the music and dancers, and the slow, almost dreamlike movements of Tony and Maria. This is a great scene.
This whole scene but particularly the 1+ minute oner of the camera following the characters coming into the gym, panning over everyone then coming down the other end of the room and follow the dance number with multiple pairs back across at very low angle to capture and end with officer’s Krupke interaction, is a pure masterclass in directing. Everything camera movement, blocking, lighting. Spielberg is on steroids here!
& instead of appreciating all that, people just compare this movie to the 1961 movie
It’s 3 separate shots
no one's talking about 1:39 and that quick pose at 1:42 that's in tune with the music. I swear I've been replaying it since the movie came out
There is an iconic moment every 3 seconds in this video.
7:36 I just LOVE this cinematography.
Tony and Maria seeing each other for the first time gives me the chills every time.
@@VforValmont and that she was honestly gonna walk away but she thought about it. For that moment you see the gears turn in her head
The cinematography and colors were wers geat, too bad they couldn't get the choreography as well. Wish they had done some ballroom & creative Lindy. They had great dancers, they could have done more than that boring mambo. Should have mixed it up with all that talent.
Justin Peck did the impossible and recreated an iconic dance sequence and made it his own while still paying respect to Jerome Robbins and it’s amazing.
Anita's Charcter and Riff's Character are well portrayed by the actor and the actress!! :
4:39 Anita calling the shots got me riled up! Her dancing and character makes me want to get off of my seat and let my feet do the dancing! XD
5:53 Just a simple "Let's go boys!" from Riff also got me riled up (makes me want to join the dance)!
And seeing Maddie in this movie made me so happy!!!
Riff and Anita! The Best
8 minutes of cinematic ecstasy.
The mambo scene from both the 1961 and the 2021 version are breathtaking. I love both films as they included different aspects and different choreography. Definitely happy that I was able to see both ♥
7:39-8:10 that is movie magic right there. Spielberg is the GOAT.
This scene drives home the fact that Anita Bernardo and riff carried the movie
Absolutely
Maria?
@@joewhitehead3 maria carried too
i cant stop thinking about this scene ahh its so good - the colors are fantastic and the choreography and the fashion and how perfect everyone is, its just perfection
4:47 the way everyone rushes into eachother omg i love it sm
I love how in this version everything made sense in terms of placement. In the original, when Maria and Tony meet together, the background just fades to black with dancers in the background but in this they're behind the bleachers...IT MAKES SENSE! I love the original but the realism is what makes this remake work. Same with the "America" sequence there's pacing and different locations instead of just being on the roof like the original. I love both films for what they are. Amazing!
Realism is overrated in musicals. In what "reality" do people suddenly break into song and dance? In the original, the background fading to black is meant to illustrate how the entire world seems to fade away as these two young people discover each other and fall in love. It was metaphorical rather than realistic and, in a musical setting, that is perfectly acceptable.
@@QueenBoadicea
So true to the magic of what these 'Mambo' and 'America' sequences should convey as metaphors.
the dancers and choreo is such a power couple in this they execute it so well
The amount of times I’ve watched this is ASTRONOMICAL!!
I was such a naysayer when this remake was being discussed. And I've become a total convert! LOVE THIS MOVIE! And this scene especially.
I am obsessed with this scene
Something magical about the way the girl lands perfectly in frame at 0:33
I just realized that the way Tony and Maria locked eyes and walked towards each other is very similar to how Romeo and Juliet meet in the 1968 Zeffirelli version! I love it!
YES! I had the same thought! How in the 1968 film, Juliet was dancing in a group and Romeo was stalking around the perimeter looking at her, and then how they met behind the curtain (?) was like how in this version they met under the seats. Of course Spielberg would have researched that film!
This scene is fire, especially with RnB/funk music
It’s actually Mambo, and the beginning music is swing
@@marggiepv I know, I grew up with the 61 version, but there is something so timeless about Spielberg’s version
@@belle-ashton2167 Yea I just meant that it’s not RnB or Funk lol
@@marggiepv I know but the choreography is so exciting, it doesn't look weird with complex and modern songs
0:35 I love how Anybodys, Tony and Maria are wearing timeless clothes. It goes to show how ahead of their times they are compared to the other characters.
Anybody's clothes consist of a baggy t-shirt, a slightly oversized jacket, jeans with holes in the knees and grubby sneakers. They don't look timeless so much as if s/he couldn't be bothered to dress up for the occasion.
@@QueenBoadicea It’s still more fairly modern than otherwise.
I'm addicted to seeing this amazing choreography.
This movie is a masterpiece! Spielberg is a genius! The actors are perfect!
100% agree. I hope more people can get to watch it. Brilliantly made.
Faist was the perfect Riff! Love how Spielberg corrected Riff's demeanor from the '61 Version. Russ in '61 stepped out first to form the circle but gave Gratzi a "get over here" head gesture where as Faist stepped out second and was a gentleman by extending his hand to Gratzi. I also love the dance Faist did @6:20 was very similar to a dance Russ did in '61. Faist's dancing abilities are similar to those of Kelly and Astaire and his facial expressions add to the greatness of his movements. I'm extremely shocked he didn't win an Oscar for "Best Male Supporting Actor."
& to think, people say the 61 version was perfect the way it was
@@joewhitehead3 It was far from perfect
@@JoshBG20 & yet…
Let's all pause for a moment and give thanks to the brilliant Leonard Bernstein and his fabulous music. Also Stephen Sondheim's lyrics.
Absolutely timeless
Yes its a masterpiece.
Same here!
The camera is also dancing and I love it !
Justin Peck and his assisting choreographers made sure that Spielberg’s vision would fit their style and it’s brilliant
@@belle-ashton2167 It really is!
2:04 I noticed how Graziella and Riff are excessively flirting and showing off while Anita and Bernardo are more classy and reserved, but still seductive and charismatic!
6:47 I noticed that Graziella and Riff had the same dance moves as Anita and Bernardo at the end of America
Did anyone see Anita and grazi kinda nod and smile at each other a little bit? Like a knowing respect for one another and like a “ok let’s do this” type deal. It was after the guys got their girls and before the full number took place? Around 4:55. It was the most interesting little thing! I had to rewind several times
I love the details through the movie about how the boys are at each other’s throats, but the girls don’t want to fight. Graziella is laughing and having fun and Anita is looking at her like “You’re a good dancer” but the boys are straight up glaring. Earlier, when Bernardo and Riff bump into each other and both gangs fight, the girls are trying to pull the boys back. I like Krupke’s line “What the matter with you guys? Pretty girls wanting to dance and all you can think of is to beat up each other!” And later in dance at the gym, Grazi mentions that she just wanted to dance.
chino and maria dancing was so cute!!
I absolutely love the costuming in this like the kind of almost casual jets and the sharks coming in dressed to kill. And OMG Anita’s dress IM OBSESSED!!!
“Oye, Javi. Ponle fuego, vamos!”
Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez are perfection as Anita and Bernardo.
I had a huge smile on my face when I saw this for the first time. Everything about this scene is perfect.
No hate to the 1961 WSS because it's good, but the 2021 dance scene blew the 1961 dance scene out of the water
Look at 2:50 - 3:03 and you'll see how cute Riff and Graziella are being together. Him whispering in her ear and playfully dancing with her. Loved them together, plus they were very sexual in the opening scene of the movie!
But I don't understand why Tony Kushner wasted time creating a backstory for her and Tony. The last thing this story needed was another love triangle.
While I felt like they could've elaborated on the love triangle more in the drugstore later, if you notice Grazie lingering with Tony for that extra half second it makes how it all went down a it better
@@Tulips85 I never said it was? It’s an appropriate response to see your old fling after a while and I meant that if you see the little notes here and there it would make the latter scene make sense
Is she based on Rosaline from R&J? Because if she is then it's not just an unnecessary love triangle but a setup for Tony's relationship with Maria
@@jemimalampard1319 I’d say you’re right seen as this story is essentially Romeo and Juliet at it’s core.
@@jemimalampard1319 missed that class. How did that go down? Thanks
I love this movie and when I heard Steven Spielberg is directing it I even got more exited
how funny is the way Tony is looking at the policeman and as well Anybody
1:20 "how about you give me some room"
Bernado : **Speaks spanish**
UA-cam subtitle : okay
I've just realised that wasn't Bernado lmao
Tony was really good here-totally believeable when he first spotted Maria, and continued to watch her. His face was priceless with the dawn of understanding, before they met.
Anita's dress is just gorgeous
Esta escena me dejo shockeado en el cine no dejaba de sentir escalofrios de lo grandioso que fueeeeee!!!!
,
P
Igual … debería ganar mejor fotografía
Es tremendo todo lo que sucede desde que entran al gimnasio , espectacular !
This scene was the biggest concern I had going into this 2021. After seeing this scene I knew Spielberg made love to this movie and made it better (thought that was impossible).
I literally cried when I saw this on the movie screen😭😭😭😭 I feel sorry for the people who don’t know about this incredible story!!
Luckily for me, I went to advance screening for West Side Story in LA and the cast and Spielberg were there doing a Q&A event. After that, I met Spielberg and he was pretty chill. After meeting him for a bit, the movie started and it did blew my mind on how good this movie was. Now that’s what a call an movie theater experience.
Yeah, this is a cinematic masterpiece. I hope they find more audiences in time.
The direction here is outstanding
In my next life i want to dance like all of them.
Damn this scene is 🔥🔥🔥. Oye Xavi, Ponie Fuego Vamos! Love the dancing including Chino who let the music take him and he got out and danced!
She said javi short for javier not harry just saying
@@MariBluethunder24 thanks for the clarification. appreciate it!
I was shocked just at the part where Bernard opened the gym doors. It was so impressive with all the lighting compared to the first film
I agree. I'm a huge fan of the 1961 movie, but Jerome Robbins had been fired before the Dance at the Gym sequence was shot and it suffered without his intense direction. The wide angle shot lost energy. The active camera in the 2021 film bringing the viewer in and through the dancers really added energy.
Far superior choreography than original Bravo!
Hindsight Is...
Better than Jerome Robbins' groundbreaking own...
Even Spielberg might not subscribe to that notion.
at 2:23 I'm pretty sure Mike slapped someone cause you can see him laughing and mouthing "sorry"
Great eye! Cinematographer in the making? Editors and Cinematographers don't get the credit they deserve.
Who'd he slap?
@@lorildiamond4987 no idea
Favorite scene in the film.👏🏻
Probably the best scene in the movie!!!!
I love this part, it’s one of my favorite parts of the movie, where Maria and Tony dance!
This is the West Side Story for this generation. It's funny cause I wouldn't say I like the old version but love this one, and my mom's the opposite.
I’m a Gen Z kid and I prefer the original film. But this version is still great
Did anyone notice the raging bisexual energy Riff, Anita and Graziella radiated in this scene?
1:33 Anita checks out BOTH Graziella and Riff.
1:48 that’s close! It looks like they had a story together.
2:06 Riff gently asking “do you wanna dance buddy?” to Bernardo, who was probably internally screaming...
4:40 pan solidarity
4:55 Graziella smiles at Anita (who’s checking her out again) while Riff smiles only at Bernardo...
5:01 they form a rainbow when they dance together
5:16 Tony is gentle with Anybodys
5:19 Riff is himself and happy, and surprisingly innocent while hugging Tony
5:50 both Riff and Graziella are genuinely enjoying Bernardo and Anita’s moves!
6:07 Riff seemed besotted
And at 5:55 you can see Riff definitely eyeing Anita 😏.
Well, Anita's actress, Ariana Debose, is a lesbian IRL, so her checking Graziella out was probably not in-character.
Great filmmaking by the master, Spielberg. Rooting WSS wins best picture at the Oscars.
"Oye echa pa'trá, que tu te crée"... Cuban Spanish...so good! ^.^ 😁 0:56
3:38 idk why i found rhat skirt flip so flawless and amazing🎉😂!
Love how the band got excited playing mambo
Absolutely blown away by 7:37
At least in this version Maria finally could dance at the Gym, in the original she just clapped to her brother and Anita
Definitely worth every penny to buy! Love this film! :)
4:41 - Anita and Riff broke the fourth wall, knowing it is about to go down.
Brilliant in every sense!
OMG!!🤒❤ (4:39) Easy, Ariana! There's cardiac people watching.
Best scene of the movie!
i was searching for this like since forever 😍😍
Movie of the year!
Well uncle Oscar sadly didn’t think so.
CODA was. :(
TRULY!!!!!
This is a REAL movie
6:00 There’s no way the well-built Riff in this scene is the same one in the Cool sequence, Mike looked so much thinner in it
cool was one of the first scenes he shot for the film so i kinda wouldn't doubt he got a lot more weight since then
Was Mike really believable fighting the very beefy Bernardo? Plus he was a boxer and Riff did look pretty thin. Who's gonna win that fight?
It’s probably the different angles and costuming, his shirt is more fitted here and it shows off his physique which is rather toned and he has some muscle but jts easily hidden by loose fitting clothes.
CODA is a great film, but IMHO, West Side Story is the Best Picture of it's year. To not only match, but perhaps exceed the 1961 version is an incredible accomplishment. This entire gym scene is a masterpiece.
the best scene of the movie
Wonderful movie! Incredible! The best remake ever made! 🌈✨💜🕊️
Chino was adorable.
Love the choreography! One of the bet I’ve ever seen in my opinion.
Fantastic. This film is just amazing!
the dance scene exceptional
Justin Peck. How is all that talent packed into one human being.
He didn't choreograph it alone but yes, he’s a genius
@@belle-ashton2167, I love that he kept some of Jerome Robbins's original steps in the Mambo sequence.
@@aprilgrant1957 which steps?
@@belle-ashton2167, you will have to watch both then compare/contrast. It's fun to see the steps in the 2021 newly realized version.
5:31 花いちもんめLv.100(ただし相手のチームから人は取らない)
This scene is wonderful.🙂
can’t stop replaying 2:22 to watch mike faist laugh and tell somebody it’s okay
I WAS NEVER A BIG FAN OF THIS MOVIE BUT I FEEL THE NEW VERSION DIDNT GET THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVED…IT LOOKS AMAZING!!
It got some recognition
It was criminally ignored and fought against, at least at the box office. Especially by the loud old head voices of: “tHe 1961 vErSiOn is IcOniC aNd CaNnOt be ToUcHed nO rEaSoN fOr A rEmAkE!!”
First of all there’s no such thing as a remake when it comes to musicals or theatrical plays. And that was the 2nd film adaptation. Let’s not talk about how many film adaptations we have of Romeo & Juliet, Pinocchio, Christmas Carol, The Great Gatsby, Phantom Of The Opera, Chicago, Cinderella, Les Miserables, Wizard Of Oz etc. And no one bats an eyelid.
Second of all it gave a different more street and lifelike (less ballet like, less theatrical) take of the story, a totally different framework, which as a huge fan of the 1961 Wise version I loved it. It wasn’t better, it was DIFFERENT. Spielberg wanted a different flavour of the story and he NAILED IT, almost (the end was anticlimactic). The choreography was more grounded, the characters more layered, more relatable to normal street/gang characters and far more blue collar-rough patched (lees dreamy college buttered pimples face) looking.
The reason the film flopped was because musicals (except for animation) are way past due for our times, was released during the end of the pandemic, people (mostly old heads) would constantly hold on to nostalgia of the 1961 version and kept bushing it. Despite all that it managed to receive 7 academy award nominations and enormous critical acclaim by the majority of the critics and the few who saw it (score on RT). It will never be as iconic as Wise’s version but IMHO stands right by side it on almost all counts.
just realised this after watching for the 1000th time, but i noticed the sharks + the prs all wear warm colours in this scene, and the jets + other white people wear cold colours. very cool design choice!
Choreo is amazing. Wish I could've seen all of it. Someone tell Spielberg to stop moving that darn camera and keep it still. How am I supposed to appreciate the choreo from constant movements and cutting from low angles to high angles.
Eh, personally I think the camera movement and editing works. The choreography is world-class (Bravo Justin Peck👏👏👏) but it’s not the *only* element of the scene. Spielberg also needs to convey plot through certain angels to capture dialogue and facial expressions. This isn’t a stage performance that’s in a “wide shot” by nature of the medium (which the 61 film adhered to mostly). Here the cinematography and editing are always justified in how they bring important elements of the story forward and add to the momentum of the number. Compare this to something like Chicago: the editing in that movie ranged from precise and focused to… cutting just because (and yet it won the Editing Oscar…). Here, I can’t think of a single unjustified shot. It’s pretty thrilling (in my opinion).
I kind of felt that way too on first watch I think because I was subconsciously comparing it to the original. Rewatching the scene I really appreciate the camera movement now.
I think it’s because the 61 version took a much slower tempo (slower than how Bernstein performed the music) that it’s easier to see the choreography. The 61 version has plenty of edits, and the 21 version has plenty of full-body shots of the dancing. I only wish there would have been a longer shot of the two rotating circles with the lead couples in the middle. That looked really cool. Also, I’m still used to the small-built Chino. This one reminds me too much of Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent.
@@clayflix9569 this should’ve at least gotten an editing nod. Can’t believe it didn’t.
@@clayflix9569 perfectly said. WSS was robbed of cinematography and editing at the Oscars. DUNE was technically excellent but WSS was on another level in those two categories. No living director knows camera movement and block framing better than Spielberg.