Rita Moreno has an incredible story, a Puerto Rican born in Humacao, moved to the US and landed a career in Hollywood at the end of the Golden Era. She is a remarkable individual that has broken down many barriers not only in the film industry but as an activist and continues to do so with this captivating documentary, Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.
Scoring a contract with famed Hollywood studio, MGM, Rita Moreno’s career in Hollywood is truly outstanding, one of the last surviving cast members of Singin’ in the Rain, she also featured opposite Lana Turner in Latin Lovers, she also played Tuptim opposite Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner in The King and I and she really made a name for herself as Anita in West Side Story which won her an Oscar.
Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It, is a warts and all documentary. It details the difficulties Rita experienced being a Latino in Hollywood, the stereotype casting that often took place, the minor roles she played, the degrading treatment by some of Hollywood’s legendary directors and the torment and abuse she received at the hands of producers and agents. It is shocking to think that after all of this she found the strength to continue to carry on.
Produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this is a story that needs to be told and everyone needs to understand the strength and stamina of Rita Moreno, who did not give in to adversity. With appearances by Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Longoria, Justina Machado, Hector Elizondo, Chita Rivera, Mitzi Gaynor, Gloria Estefan and Norman Lear, the stories they all tell about Rita makes you appreciate her even more, especially for the love, care and kindness Rita still has today.
Directed by Mariem Perez Riera, Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It, is an intriguing story as you get to see how a Hollywood actor really lives while still working, driving herself to and from sets early in the morning and late at night. The strong relationship Rita maintains with her family but also the sense of excitement and fun that she carries into every day. This is not your every day Hollywood star, but a genuinely kind and compassionate person who wants to see the best for everyone and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
What is astounding about this documentary is the frankness of Rita Moreno. She openly discusses her marriage to her husband and how she talks about the unhappiness she faced but they stayed together for the sake of her child. But also the racism she experienced, how she was always cast as the Latino girl, Island girl or foreigner in films and she maintained the same accent for all, as at the time it was customary. But looking back at it now you can understand why it is so important that genuine and real representation matters and not a studio stereotype.
Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It is currently playing in cinemas and a must see for anyone who loves Rita Moreno, old Hollywood or the story of someone who achieved success after continual adversity.
