At the Movies: In the Heights (2021)
IMDb summarizes the 2021 film In the Heights: “A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life.”
In the Heights is based on the stage musical of the same name by Quiara Alegría Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film stars include Jimmy Smits. The film tells the story of a corner in Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, where each member of the community pursues their dream of a better life. Immigration is one of the themes of the film.
KJ
UPDATE (June 15): In the Heights is receiving attention, with some of it critical. Felice Leon for The Root asks “In sum: Where are all of the leading dark-skinned Afro-Latinx folks?”:
“Granted, the trailer (and film) showcased Black dancers and there were certainly Black women in the hair salon, but where are the dark-skinned Black Latinx folks with a storyline? After all, this film is placed in Washington Heights, N.Y., right?!”
Hmmmm….. not a single Afro Latino??? In the Heights???? In New York???? Sounds about white(washed). https://t.co/iU0O23a2aq
— Lani Del Rey (@Marlana) December 12, 2019
KJ