Top 10 Differences Between West Side Story (2021) & (1961)

Same plot, same music, but there are a lost of differences between these two "West Side Stories." For this list, we’ll be stacking Steven Spielberg’s interpretation of the classic musical against its Best Picture-winning predecessor. Our countdown includes song order, more depth for Chino, the changing neighborhood, and more! Which version of "West Side Story" do YOU prefer? Let us know in the comments!

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#WestSideStory #Musical #StevenSpielberg #StephenSondheim #Broadway

[swikarkalden]

The scene in the 2021 edition where Anita is harassed at Doc's drug store and how the Jet girls leaped to her defense and wanted to save her from harm was immensely powerful in my opinion.

[mrrysngstrss]

What struck me was that with the added details about Tony's background, Riff buying the gun, and Chino generally being a peaceful guy, the remake seemed to lean more into the dramatic irony of it all, and given the source material of Romeo and Juliet, I think it worked.

[scottsummers]

I love that they gave a substantial role for Rita Moreno.

[sarahbateman]

I am OBSESSED with how they changed Doc's character around to his widower. And the way that they got Rita Moreno to play her. And she has some of the most impactful lines. And the WAY that they had her sing "Somewhere" instead of Maria and Tony (which always felt off in the original). Giving that song to a Puerto Rican woman who was also in love with Caucasian man opened up the meaning to not just be for Maria and Tony, but for everyone stuck in the terrible experiences of the movie, and most importantly, it became more about the experience immigrating to America and the heartbreak of chasing the American dream. Absolutely BRILLIANT reimagining.

[trinaq]

I really love how many characters' back stories were expanded upon, especially Tony's time in prison having caused him to distance himself from the Jets, which is more realistic than simply growing bored with the gang.

[renren]

Valentina is the one that really tops it off. The Jets are able to treat a Puerto Rican person with respect, why can't they treat the Shark gang and Anita the same too? In the 1961 film, Doc said the Jets make the world lousy, and the Jets said the world is already lousy...they didn't make it. While Valentina said, "you dishonor yourself". This is kind of a big shift in approach that the Jets /could/ make the choices, rather than succumbing to their unfortunate child/teenagehood.

[jrlexjr]

I am 74-years-old. The 1961 movie is part of my DNA, and the hairs on my neck still prickle when I hear the opening three-note whistle. The first ten-minutes of that movie was a life-changing experience. I have seen high school and community versions, and the Broadway remake with Karen Olivo. I have even seen Gustavo Dudamel conduct the Philadelphia Pops in "Dance at the Gym" and shouted "Mambo!" at the appropriate time. I did not know what to expect from the new movie.

I loved it. Is it as good as the original? Tough call, since the original was so groundbreaking, especially with its choreography.

I want to see this version again. So far I would put "America" and "Gee Officer Krupke" above the original. I have not yet decided about "Somewhere" and "Dance at the Gym."

And as much as I love Natalie Wood, Rachel Zegler is a monster actor and singer. Of course, Rita Moreno is a national treasure.

Thank you, Steven Spielberg, for taking on this project. Thank you for using Latino actors in the appropriate roles. And thank you for making "West Side Story" available to an entirely new generation of theater goers.

[JohnHoulgate]

I was very impressed with how they put Chino through a transformation. He started out as a shy, nebbish kind of character who showed at the dance that he had a wild side. Then at the Rumble when he picked up Riff's gun, off came the glasses and Chino became a very different man. He wasn't somebody who just had a gun and went looking for Tony. He was a certain kind of character, mild, shy, peaceful then he changed and became someone capable of murder. Well done!

[francisduarte]

I would’ve loved to see Naya Rivera replaying the role of Anita because of her voice! But having an ACTUAL afro latina is such a satisfactory feeling that we can’t just ignore so easily!

[EmsPlace]

Rachel is absolutely amazing. The voice of an angel. You’d never know it was her first ever film that she landed before even graduating high school.

[bjax]

As a pretty much lifelong fan of WSS (age 5 now 37), the ‘61 version will forever have place in my heart. Though, having just recently seen the remake it blew the doors off of my expectations!!

The changes mentioned I had no problems with, but the cultural accuracy is what I was most happy about. This, along with the fleshed out backstories, made everything feel more authentic, real and believable! Great job all around!

[Mr_brut]

I watched it with my 11 year old daughter to my surprise she put away her tablet and was glued to the screen, enjoyed every bit of it and cried when they took tony ! In the end she asked me why did it end so sad and wanted to know if there was more or did they saved him 😔 ..
She loved it and so did I ....

It was a special moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life ...

[sianbennett-rodgers]

The fleshing out of Bernardo and Riff in particular has paid dividends. It gave two very talented actors a bit more to get their teeth into. They both have their place in cinema history and are both products of their time

[muslit]

Two big differences that are not mentioned in the video: 1. all of the singing roles in the new film are the voices of the actors, whereas Tony and Maria were dubbed in the earlier film (except for Anita and Bernardo); 2. there is noticeably less dancing in Spielberg's film - in the '61 film the entire prolog is set to dance, whereas in the new film only the music is used.

[Astrolionking]

They actually had Hispanic ppl play Puerto Ricans! As a Puerto Rican, the new movie makes me unbelievably happy.

[NotSorry]

I just watched the remake it as it arrived on Disney+. Even though there were a few changes, Spielberg’s vision really captured the essence of the original. The casting is fantastic, the musical numbers are phenomenal, the cinematography is breathtaking. I absolutely enjoyed it!

[SandraG]

Loved the new version, but the original will always be my favorite. I actually didn't like the placement of the "I Feel Pretty" number. I couldn't stop thinking about what had just gone down the scene before. Took away from the joy of the IFP scene. Also, nothing beats the emotion in the ending of the original. Natalie Wood was spectacular! She breaks my heart every single time. I want to give a shout-out and thank Spielberg for making a film that actually made me want to go back to the movie theater. I really missed it.

[iGuy]

Not only did Steven Spielberg do a great job at directing this newly remade film, but he now finally accomplished his dream to remake one of these older musicals.

[jonnarobinson]

Shout outs to some of the 1961 actors.
Elliot Feld as Baby John
Rita Moreno as Anita
George Chakaris as Bernardo
Russ Tamblyn as Riff
All fabulous dancers from 1961! Never forget them!

[blanchefan]

I've loved the original 1961 version virtually all my life; it's a masterpiece. And now I love the new version--it's incredible. I'm just happy and grateful that Spielberg and and everyone--actors, screenwriter Tony Kushner, choreographer Justin Peck, the music director and conductor--EVERYONE connected with the new version was committed heart and soul to doing something extraordinary--and they did. :)