It's so amazing that they got the original actress who played Anita to be in this movie. In an interview, Rita Moreno explained that when they approached her, she told them she didn't do cameos. But then they explained that the role they had in mind for her was NOT a cameo. Not only that, but when she was first introduced to all of the young actors playing the teen characters, she asked who was playing Anita. Ariana DeBose had actually been trying to hide because she was so intimidated to be in the same room as the original Anita, but her fellow actors ratted her out. However, Rita took Ariana aside and told her, "You got this." Later, Rita would even say that Ariana was a better dancer than she ever was (though I respectfully disagree; I'd say both women are equally good dancers). Also, in the original movie, the final take (y'know, where they use that little marker board) was done by Rita. She asked if she could do it for this movie too, and Spielberg said of course.
The neighborhood where the story is set is on the Westside. The original film from 1961 was filmed in the area currently known as Lincoln Centre. During this period, the neighborhood was being razed to make room for the construction of the world-renowned performing arts complex and upscale apartments. The "Westside Story " remake was filmed in different areas of the city that reflect how the westside neighborhood looked before gentrification.
This was set in 1957, the year I was born in a hospital just a few blocks away. My dad worked at the Columbia School of Mines and was on the edge of the 1961 film shoot, and watched the area being leveled making room for Lincoln Towers and Lincoln Center.
Puerto Rican here. Yes, you should watch the original. It is a Classic for a reason. The 2021 version is better/more intense but that doesn´t take away from that one. ...even though, I´m sure you´ll prefer the 2021 one. As for the time period...that happened when plenty of Puerto Ricans decided to move to the States. Originally, most of them decided to settle in New York. So they were the first generation in the country. PS Just for context/translation...When the men were about to rape Anita and Valentina comes to rescue her Anita yells to her: "You offer roof to these pigs! I´m not American. I´m Puerto Rican".
It's so amazing that they got the original actress who played Anita to be in this movie. In an interview, Rita Moreno explained that when they approached her, she told them she didn't do cameos. But then they explained that the role they had in mind for her was NOT a cameo.
Not only that, but when she was first introduced to all of the young actors playing the teen characters, she asked who was playing Anita. Ariana DeBose had actually been trying to hide because she was so intimidated to be in the same room as the original Anita, but her fellow actors ratted her out. However, Rita took Ariana aside and told her, "You got this."
Later, Rita would even say that Ariana was a better dancer than she ever was (though I respectfully disagree; I'd say both women are equally good dancers).
Also, in the original movie, the final take (y'know, where they use that little marker board) was done by Rita. She asked if she could do it for this movie too, and Spielberg said of course.
This makes me love Rita that much more! I can't wait to see her as Anita!
@@AlexxaReacts You'll love her as Anita! She was brilliant. :)
The neighborhood where the story is set is on the Westside. The original film from 1961 was filmed in the area currently known as Lincoln Centre. During this period, the neighborhood was being razed to make room for the construction of the world-renowned performing arts complex and upscale apartments. The "Westside Story " remake was filmed in different areas of the city that reflect how the westside neighborhood looked before gentrification.
This was set in 1957, the year I was born in a hospital just a few blocks away. My dad worked at the Columbia School of Mines and was on the edge of the 1961 film shoot, and watched the area being leveled making room for Lincoln Towers and Lincoln Center.
Puerto Rican here. Yes, you should watch the original. It is a Classic for a reason. The 2021 version is better/more intense but that doesn´t take away from that one.
...even though, I´m sure you´ll prefer the 2021 one.
As for the time period...that happened when plenty of Puerto Ricans decided to move to the States. Originally, most of them decided to settle in New York. So they were the first generation in the country.
PS
Just for context/translation...When the men were about to rape Anita and Valentina comes to rescue her Anita yells to her: "You offer roof to these pigs! I´m not American. I´m Puerto Rican".
I definitely will! ❤️💛
they didn't decide. it was bec staying in puerto rico wasn't economically viable for them
Thank you.Really.Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching and for commenting 💛