In the Heights (PG)
Directed by Jon M Chu

FROM the creator and star of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, comes an uplifting and rousing exploration of what it means to be a Hispanic immigrant and dreamer in the US — particularly in the wake of the Trump administration, which labelled them killers, rapists and criminals — in this film adaptation of his award-winning stage musical.

It opens with the film’s narrator, Usnavi (an exceptional Anthony Ramos from Hamilton), on a beachside bar in the Dominican Republic recounting to some young kids his life in the largely Dominican Washington Heights neighbourhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City.

Usnavi (named after a US navy ship), a convenience store owner, introduces them (and us) to a group of memorable characters: Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz), the community’s matriarch who also raised him; his best friend Benny (Corey Hawkins), who works for Kevin Rosario (Jimmy Smits), the boss of the local taxi company; Usnavi’s love interest Vanessa (Melissa Barrera); and Nina, (singer-songwriter Leslie Grace) Rosario’s daughter and the toast of the barrio for being the first to go to Stanford.

However, Nina returns not being able to afford the next term’s fees as well as being the victim of racism at the renowned university; while Usnavi’s cousin Sonny (Gregory Diaz) learns he cannot go to college because he is undocumented and cannot afford the necessary fees to become so.

There are spectacular, rousing, vibrant, large-scale song-and-dance numbers on the streets and at the local swimming pool, interspersed with some quieter heartfelt renditions (including singing and dancing up the side of a building), all of which are written by Miranda, who has a cameo as the Piragua (ice cream) guy.

With its phenomenal cast the film conveys the sweat, tears and sacrifice involved in going to a foreign place to fulfil your dreams and to be accepted.

This is a film about inclusivity, empowerment and embracing your identity: “Tell the world we are not invisible,” says Abuela Claudia in a rallying cry. “We are not powerless — we are powerful.”

Though not a fan of musicals, being the daughter of Spanish immigrants myself, the film very much hit home. Like me, you will come out feeling inspired, joyful and more hopeful. Goodness knows, we could all do with that right now.

In cinemas