In the Heights (2021)
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A vibrant musical drama follows the lives of residents in a predominantly Dominican community in New York City as they pursue their dreams for a better life.
The story
Set in the predominantly Dominican community of Washington Heights in New York City, the film follows various residents as they pursue their dreams for a better life. The story is framed as a narrative told by Usnavi de la Vega, who recounts the lives of his neighbors and friends. The plot weaves together the lives of a man seeking to revive his father's business in the Dominican Republic, a student struggling with the realities of her education, and a woman dreaming of becoming a fashion designer. Amidst the vibrant culture of the neighborhood, these characters navigate personal ambitions and community ties.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Usnavi de la Vega tells a story of Washington Heights to a group of children. The narrative spans ten years, detailing his life as a bodega owner and his relationships with neighbors like Abuela Claudia, Kevin Rosario, and his best friend Benny. The plot follows Kevin's daughter Nina, who returns from Stanford and faces challenges regarding her education and the reality of being an undocumented immigrant. Vanessa, a woman seeking a career in fashion, finds herself in a complicated romance with Usveni. The story reaches a climax during a neighborhood-wide blackout where Abuela Claudia passes away, leading the community to unite in celebration. Following a series of events involving a winning lottery ticket and personal revelations, Usnavi decides to stay in the neighborhood. The film concludes with a celebration of the community's resilience and the realization of their shared dreams.
- First release year
- 2021
- Runtime (minutes)
- 143
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jon M. Chu
- Writers
- Quiara Alegría Hudes · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Anthony Ramos · Usnavi; Melissa Barrera · Vanessa; Corey Hawkins · Benny; Leslie Grace · Nina; Olga Merediz · Abuela Claudia; Daphne Rubin-Vega · Daniela; Gregory Diaz IV · Sonny; Jimmy Smits · Kevin Rosario
- Genres
- musical; drama
- Themes
- community; immigration; dreams; identity
- Tone and mood
- joyous; celebratory
- Premise and plot tags
- musical; drama; ensemble cast
- Source material / true-story basis
- 2005 stage musical
- Reception
- The film was widely praised for its direction, performances, musical numbers, and cinematography, though it was a box-office bomb.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 94% · scale: percentage · review count: 372; Metacritic · score: 84 · scale: 100 · review count: 55; CinemaScore · score: A · scale: A+ to F
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy · Nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was originally set to be adapted by Universal Pictures in 2008.; The production team used a real bodega as the exterior of the shop.; The film was included in lists of the best musical films of the 21st century.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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