Movie: New 'West Side Story' Is Cast 'Authentically'– Chinatsu Abe

  A new version of the movie of the musical “West Side Story “was released on December 10, 2021, around the world. This is a musical that has been loved by a lot of people since it was first released on Broadway in 1957 and on a film in 1961.       

                                            

 One of protagonists of “West Side Story” is Puerto Rican. Twenty of the acters in this film including the actor who plays him, are Puerto Rican or of Puerto Rican ancestry. Spielberg who is director of this film, spent more than a year casting this film, and he said, “I wanted to cast it authentically.” 

He and Tony Kushner who is a writer of this new movie created rich background for each character. They actively used Latinos, the largest minority in the United Kingdom, and they used both English and Spanish in this new “West Side Story”. These efforts are “a huge step forward” which Latinos are integrated into the society.


The reason why I chose to introduce this story to the class is that this is one of the movies I want to go see. And I want to you to know that there is a lot of efforts behind this film. When I read this story, I was very happy because I think this is also one of the steps for the further development of the film industry. I also felt that Spielberg’s respect for culture is a wonderful and important thing.




Comments

  1. Kazuki TashiroMarch 3, 2022 at 6:42 PM

    I'm also interested in this movie but I didn't know the background.
    I was surprised to read that it took more than a year to cast the film!
    I want to watch this movie!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hinata NishizawaMarch 3, 2022 at 6:47 PM

    I have hear about this new film so it is good to know the background in detail. In the first movie of "West Side Story", most of cast are white-Europian people, I heard. So, the new one will have more reality! It will make great success in a history of films.

    Hinata

    ReplyDelete
  3. David WoodfieldMarch 3, 2022 at 6:55 PM

    I agree with you Chinatsu. Spielberg's attempt to realistically portray Puerto Rican society and the subculture of a Puerto Rican gang is particularly admirable. When minority groups see their culture highlighted in art, literature, films & so on they feel like they belong. America is theirs as well.
    David :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. KAHO KOBAYASHIMarch 3, 2022 at 6:57 PM

    I didn't kow the background of movie.
    I found out that they devoted to make that movie.
    I want to see that.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownMarch 3, 2022 at 7:05 PM

    I didn't know that casts and staffs of this film made a great effort with passion to make the film. I think language what character spoken is one of the most important
    things to image that person, so they did very wonderful work. Now I want to watch the film, too! Thank you for your sharing!

    Saika

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yu ObataMarch 4, 2022 at 3:22 PM

    I've never thought the process of movie though I like watching movies very much. Your article is so valuable for me! When I see a movie, I'd like to think about effort or process people made for the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nozomi TaharaMarch 5, 2022 at 4:44 AM

    Hi Chinatsu,

    Regarding your story, I was so surprised and excited!
    Because I have seen this musical so many years before, but I did not understand the background that you informed us.
    That’s why I really understood it!

    I love musicals and movies; I really want to see it.
    Thank you for sharing me your wonderful story and appreciate you kindness.

    Thank you!

    Nozomi☺

    ReplyDelete

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