Douban 9.0: 'Pretend It's a City'! Director Martin Scorsese Takes You on an In-Depth Tour of New York

📍 New York · 👁 3 reads · ❤️ 181 likes

When Martin Scorsese, a Hollywood director from Queens, New York, meets Fran Lebowitz, a writer who dropped out of high school at 16 and moved to New York, what kind of fascinating collision of souls is this? Produced by Netflix, with a Douban score of 9.1, these two New Yorkers, in the form of interviews, roast life in the metropolis of New York, delivering a documentary love letter that is short on words but long on sentiment this winter.

"Look down, and you will see this city representing opportunity and greatness—New York... Here stands a poem of architecture made of concrete, glass, and steel, tirelessly recording the farthest reachable springs of vitality, thought, and hope for humanity." Let us follow the perspective of New Yorkers and embark on a journey to explore the free, spontaneous, and dazzling metropolis of New York.

No matter how many times you have been to New York, you must look down at New York from a height—just one second, and you will fall in love with it. In "Pretend It's a City," a scene repeatedly appears: Fran cautiously paces back and forth through a miniature model of New York City. This model is also famous—built in 1964 when New York hosted the World's Fair, led by Mayor Robert F. Wagner, at a cost of $670,000, as a tribute, and now resides at the Queens Museum.

01 Empire State Building (Original price $45.73 - Free with New York Pass)

The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan. It is a symbol of American culture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The top of the building is a filming location for many classic movies, including "Sleepless in Seattle" and "King Kong." Since the release of the first version of "King Kong" in 1933, a giant gorilla climbed to the roof of the Empire State Building, and since then it has become a classic in film history. Today, after a third-phase renovation, the Empire State Building offers 360-degree panoramic views from a height of 1,250 feet.

02 Top of the Rock Observation Deck (Original price $41.37 - Free with New York Pass)

Top of the Rock is widely regarded as the skyscraper with the best panoramic views of New York City. Because it faces south directly toward the Empire State Building, it offers an unparalleled vantage point, with countless advertisements and movies shot from there. If you want to capture a very "New York" shot, don't miss this place. The observation deck is without glass barriers, allowing you to take in the spectacular view of New York's urban forest.

03 Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour (Original price $32 - Free with New York Pass)

The Brooklyn Bridge is a landmark in New York and one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Built in 1883, it was once the hub of New York's maritime trading empire and a historical artifact that witnessed the American Revolutionary War. Strolling leisurely on the Brooklyn Bridge, you can view the Statue of Liberty, the New York Stock Exchange, and feel the century-long changes and greatness of New York City.

"Why did you come to New York?" Everyone's answer may be different—because of dreams in their hearts, diverse cultures, or infinite possibilities. The streets of New York are bustling with people, countless come and go, and every era has fresh faces appearing on the streets of New York. In this age of gradually homogenizing values, being different is no longer so important. But in New York, you can feel efficiency, rules, art, fun, punk, and rock coexisting. In this human playground, be a passerby, feel the brush past of every stranger, and experience the prosperity and excitement of this city.

04 Broadway and Times Square Tour (Original price $35.00 - Free with New York Pass)

Would you like to know the down-to-earth backstage stories of Broadway drama and comedy actors? Let an authentic New Yorker take you through these historic theaters while listening to Broadway actors' theater anecdotes and real New York life.

05 Grand Central Terminal (Original price $12.00 - Free with New York Pass)

Visit New York's iconic Grand Central Terminal, appreciate the exquisite interior and the magnificent splendor of this historic landmark, feel the hurried footsteps brushing past you with New York commuters, and with an audio guide, experience firsthand this central railway station that has been the busiest in New York City since 1871.

06 NYC Street Performance Sightseeing Bus (Original price $69.00 - Free with New York Pass)

Fran says, "I often have the illusion that in this city, I'm the only one looking at the road, while everyone else is forever on their phones." On the bustling streets of New York, have you ever tried stopping and observing the world around you? Take a fun sightseeing bus, explore the vibrant New York City, watch street performances, and experience the Broadway-like theatrical street culture!

If you have to define the New Yorker lifestyle in one style, it must be carefree, casual and unrestrained—without too much artificial decoration or constraint, with a leisurely romance in every gesture. In this freest city in the world, break the rules, cross boundaries, listen to the deep call of the heart, and boldly try to seek a different self. Maybe you will discover another interesting version of yourself.

07 Harlem Jazz Series (Original price $21.75 - Free with New York Pass)

How can you come to New York and not enjoy the best jazz in New York? Every year, thousands of tourists come to Harlem, New York, to find the most touching jazz music. Fran is a close friend of jazz master Charles Mingus, and she deeply misses and appreciates the melodies, rhythms, and musical structures of jazz. Coming to Harlem allows you to sit down and enjoy a healing jazz journey.

08 Museum of Sex (Original price $20.00 - Free with New York Pass)

Step into the Museum of Sex in New York and experience the most uninhibited souls and the freest bodies! The museum showcases the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality to the public. It brings the most advanced art, science, and research on sex to audiences, including a 22,000-square-foot gallery and a large collection of unique artworks.

What kind of city is New York?

It is both the starting point and the terminus of multiculturalism.

It is everyone's travel destination yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Love you 3000 - New York City!

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