Lin-Manuel Miranda is realistic in his thoughts, but he’s also “cautiously optimistic.” The subject at hand is his personal slice of life called “In the Heights,” an ethnic musical that has prompted a substantial amount of buzz among critics reviewing post COVID films.
Miranda is best known for his hit Broadway production, “Hamilton.” But long before that instant success, Miranda fooled around with a dream project he began in his late teens. Even though he grew up in the upscale Manhattan community of Inwood, Miranda was intrigued by the rowdy albeit festive Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. Hence, the first draft of “In the Heights” was born and transformed into a college production that Lin-Manuel called, “a very bad musical.”
After several revisions along with nine years of edits, the team of Miranda and celebrated playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes produced a smash Broadway hit, winning four Tony Awards in 2008. The production also received a Grammy Award for Best Theatre Album. Now some 12 years later, the film adaptation of “In the Heights” is finally complete, telling the stories that have kept generations of families and business owners together as a tight knit group. The film is unique because it focusses on Latinos often missing in mainstream movies and television. It’s something that is a driving factor for Miranda, a Puerto Rican activist who carries the torch for all Hispanics.
“Quiara and I stuck to our guns in what we thought was important,” says Miranda, sending a message by assembling both prominent and little known Hispanic cast members. “We tried to create roles that would resonate with Latino audiences.”
To Miranda’s point, Hollywood has rallied behind African American films and television shows for years. By comparison, Hispanics have been historically stereotyped and underrepresented in Tinseltown. Since 2018, only about five percent of Latinos and Latinas have been cast in speaking roles of productions in ANY category. Recent census data has revealed that Hispanics make up nearly 25 percent of the total United States population, and that is doubled in major states like New York, California, Texas and Florida.
Alagria Hudes understood this when she wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation. She knew that part of her responsibility was to “create jobs” for young Hispanic talent for the purpose of giving them more exposure on the big screen. And of course, allowing established actors remain in the limelight was just as important. With the help of Jon M. Chu, who directed the blockbuster movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” that’s exactly what happened.
Olga Merediz, 65, who played the influential role of Abuela Claudia, was impressive and has the best shot of getting an Oscar nomination for “In the Heights.” Anthony Ramos, 29, who was excellent as Usnavi the bodega owner, is looking for his next big break since appearing in “A Star Is Born.” Daphine Rubin-Vega and Stephanie Beatriz play neighborhood salon workers Daniela and Carla. Jimmy Smits is cab company owner Mr. Rosario. Everyone has a personal tale to tell that borders on triumph, tragedy and hope. Watching this film is certain to put you on an emotional rollercoaster.
The caveat here, to use the term loosely, is that Latinos represent many different cultures, geographically speaking. New York and Miami are very different from San Antonio and Los Angeles. So because “In the Heights” is a musical with heavy salsa overtones, it might not be for everyone. That being said, I would encourage folks from all walks of life to check out “In the Heights” and prepare yourself to be highly entertained.
“All I can say is ‘wow…wow, wow and wow’, ” said actress Yeniffer Behrens Mendoza, who attended the film’s premiere with her young daughter. “I cried so many times. What a beautiful, beautiful movie.
“Lin Manuel Miranda, you are amazing!”
As co-owner of True Form Films with her husband Mauricio, it’s clear that Yeniffer knows a bit about movie productions. So it’s a safe bet to take her endorsement to heart.
