This may be an unpopular and possibly sacrilegious but I think the 2021 West Side Story is better than the original.

I don't know if I like it better, but I do think they did a beautiful job with it. I'll have to watch it another couple hundred times to see if I like it better.

Alicia ✿ : To start with, I think Rachel Zegler was a 110% better than Natalie Wood as Maria. In general, I feel like they worked in a lot of extra depth to the narrative and the characters were better fleshed out.

that doesn't mean I don't see the charm of the original and for the time, it was exceptional

I think the original was very Broadway. The new one has a little bit of grit and dirt, as it should.

I think the new one is loads better.

Alicia ✿ : that's a good way of putting it

PlurkDevi : yay, so I'm not alone!

I also love that parts of it were filmed in areas of NJ that are VERY close to where I grew up.

West Side Story is my favorite musical of all time. I want to watch the movie, but I'm scared (not really sure of what to be honest) This has given me a bit of confidence though.

I adore the original so when I first heard a remake was in the works my initial thought was "I sure hope it doesn't suck." Since Spielberg was directing rather than Tom (Cats) Hooper, I figured it'd probably be good. From all reports it doesn't suck and I plan on watching for the first time later today.

I'd seen earlier snippets and they just released the full "America" number on YouTube.

West Side Story – Cast 2021 - America (From "West Si...

There are a number of specific improvements in the remake and, as mentioned above, the absence of Natalie Wood is among them.

It's much nicer having people who can sing, act, and, dance playing the roles. Also nicer having Latinas/Latinas playing those on the Sharks side. They passed (as they should) on the brownface too. Rita Morenos said she hated having to wear it in the original.

Suze : yes! and I love what they did with her role in this too. I just feel like in general, it's much better fleshed out

OhCecilia : In an interview she stated that when she heard that Spielberg wanted her in the film her first thought was, "I don't do cameos". When she found out about the role she signed on as an executive producer.

She even received some Best Supporting Actress nominations for a few film festivals and critics awards. That's great but Ariana has deservedly won most.

I was also heartened to learn that Steven Spielberg AND Stephen Sondheim wanted to cut "I Feel Pretty" lol

PlurkDevi : they could have and I wouldn’t have missed it

I never liked it. Stephen Sondheim said he never wanted it to begin with but he was overruled.

The original holds a special place in my heart, my mom loved it. I have been hesitant. I might try it now

✴Sparkling✴ : let me know what you think if you do.

I just finished watching the remake and thought it was wonderful. There were a few deviations from the original but I don't think any were at all detrimental. Some viewers didn't like the Spanish without subtitles but there was little and anyone could get the gist of the phrases used.

As I mentioned before, I loved the original. The remake differs a little but I love this one too.