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“In the Heights”
Lin-Manuel Miranda follows the historical “Hamilton” with a dazzling musical that explores the lives of immigrants living in Washington Heights, a neighborhood of New York City. The music and dancing are mesmerizing as it celebrates Latin American culture.
A number of things make this movie special. Let me start with the fact that it was filmed entirely in the Washington Heights neighborhood, spanning 155th Street to 193rd in New York. The joy of this film emanates from the viewer’s ability to embrace the characters’ environment.
Yet the heart and soul of “Heights” rests on the struggles of American immigrants as they seek a better world. It begins with Anthony Ramos’ role as Usnavi, a bodega owner with dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic. His performance gives strength and inspiration for those struggling to make sense out of our short existence here on earth.
There are so many good roles in director Jon M. Chu’s (“Crazy Rich Asians”) film that it borders on embarrassment to point out only a few. Let me start with Miranda, who ironically played Usnavi in the Broadway production. Here he plays Mr. Piraguero, a street vendor who serves as an audience commentator in multiple scenes.
Leslie Grace is unforgettable as a Stanford dropout fighting to get refocused. In addition, Jimmy Smits, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Stephanie Beatriz and Gregory Diaz IV are as poignant as they are memorable. You’ll wipe tears from your cheeks as you watch Olga Merediz play the matriarch Abuela Claudia. This was a wise woman who found meaning from her years as a Cuban immigrant house cleaner.
Written with gusto and style by Quiara Alegria Hude that won’t be forgotten when the Oscars roll around, this joyful film captures the meaning of life for immigrants everywhere. Told through song and dance, this movie will find a way to your heart.
Seeking a newer world
As I, like many, worry that our country dances on the eve of destruction, I’m reminded of Bobby Kennedy’s book “To Seek a Newer World” (1967). Simply stated, we all need to set our animosities aside and reestablish lost friendships as American citizens.
Yet I fear that we are living in a new version of the pre-Civil War antebellum South. Hatred, anger and racism lurk below the surface. Republicans in our national government have adopted as their standard the classic Groucho Marx song, “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It.” For them, compromise is a four-letter word.
On top of that, they destroy the attempt to create a bipartisan congressional committee to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection. Despite the clear attempt to overthrow our government while chanting “hang Mike Pence,” they prefer to whitewash the whole thing. It is clear that they are hiding something damning to Trump and their party, and their actions are contemptible.
And then there is their reprehensible program to support the lie that the last presidential election was stolen from Trump. How can any intelligent person support this ridiculous assertion? Doesn’t the absence of any supporting facts bother people who care about the truth?
In addition, please don’t try to tell me that the Jim Crow era is dead. To the contrary, it is alive and well. While the right to vote lies at the foundation of our democracy, Republican state after Republican state is attempting to make it as difficult as possible for Black citizens to exercise that right. Good Lord, one state seeks to criminalize bringing food and water to those standing in line!
I could go on, but like many, I fear for our future. Sure, we are the descendants of immigrants, but it’s time to close our borders. We profess to believe in equal opportunity, but let’s deny transgender people the ability to play high school sports. While we need everyone to take the vaccine to conquer COVID-19, Indiana Republicans seek to stop Indiana University from making that requirement.
Sadly, news doesn’t matter anymore, only dogma. The mantra for most Republican supporters of Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell was the legendary statement made by Indiana Congressman Earl Landgrebe during the Nixon impeachment hearings, “Don’t confuse me with the facts. I’ve got a closed mind.”
RFK may have been gunned down in 1968, but let’s seek a newer world, shall we?•
• Robert Hammerle practices criminal law in Indianapolis. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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