Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It is the compelling story of Rita Moreno, one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood. The film takes a deep dive into her career that started nearly seven decades ago and follows her journey as she navigated the entertainment industry as a Puerto Rican woman.

Born in Puerto Rico, Rita Moreno moved to New York City when she was only five years old. She was encouraged by her mother to pursue a career in entertainment and began dancing at a young age. Her natural talent and charisma landed her roles on Broadway, where she quickly made a name for herself as a rising star.

Rita's defining moment, however, came in 1961 when she was cast in the film adaptation of the musical West Side Story. The movie was a huge success and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Rita's unforgettable portrayal of Anita, a feisty Puerto Rican girl, earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Hispanic performer to achieve such an honor.

But, as the film also reveals, her journey didn't end there. The documentary sheds light on the challenges Rita faced as a woman of color in Hollywood. Her rise to fame may have seemed meteoric, but it was not without obstacles. Rita had to endure discrimination, sexism, and racism, often being cast in stereotypical roles.

The movie doesn't shy away from difficult subjects such as how she was forced into a relationship with Marlon Brando, who was abusive and unfaithful to her. She also talks about how she suffered from depression, attempted suicide, and how she was able to persevere through it all.

The film also focuses on Rita's active involvement in social and political issues. She was a fierce advocate for Puerto Rican rights and spoke out against discrimination in the entertainment industry. Her friendships with fellow civil rights activists and her work on public television programs and the power of her platform is covered in-depth.

The documentary features interviews with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gloria Estefan, Morgan Freeman, and Whoopi Goldberg, among others. They share their admiration for Rita and discuss the impact she has made on the industry.

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It was directed by Mariem Pérez Riera and produced by Brent Miller, and Norman Lear. The film is a celebration of Rita's extraordinary life and career, and the legacy she's built for herself. It's a compelling story of a talented and indomitable performer who overcame adversity to achieve success.

Overall, Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It is a moving tribute to a trailblazing performer who broke boundaries and paved the way for future generations of actors. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in Hollywood history and the fight for representation and inclusion.