Jennifer Milanak

The newly created character of Valentina, portrayed by veteran actress Rita Moreno (who served as producer on this version and won an award for her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 film), gives a breath of fresh air and strong female outlook to the otherwise male-dominated cast. I loved how several dances were moved to the center of town, sort of symbolizing that the streets belong to everyone, regardless of skin color or country of origin. Giving the original characters more depth and backstories, casting Latinx actors for the Puerto Rican roles, creating a brief secondary plotline, and expanding on secondary characters (ie: Officer Krupke and his partner) made this film much more believable and realistic than the 1961 film. I cried, and I never cry at movies.