In the Heights parent review / Is In the Heights appropriate post written by the Ent on 6/12/2021 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch
Movie: In the Heights (This is a musical movie adaption of the Broadway play)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Musical, Drama
Length: 2 hrs. 23 mins.
Age suggested: 13 and up
Release Date: June 11th, 2021
Where to watch: HBO Max and Theaters
Themes: Purpose, Dreams, Loyalty, Family, Oppression, Joy, Grit
Warnings: Discussions of sex, moderate language, death of loved one
Quick Summary of In the Heights
From Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, In the Heights tells the story of a group of people who are living in Washington Heights as they navigate gentrification. There are quite a few subplots happening throughout the film, but the main character is Usnavi (played by Anthony Ramos). He is a small store owner who is set on returning to his home country of the Dominican Republic but the neighborhood is calling. The In the Heights movie is a musical adaption of the stage musical from Broadway.
In the Heights Parent Review
–Is In the Heights Appropriate For Younger Viewers?-
**SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION**
There are a few things that younger viewers will definitely need to be prepared for or talked through in this movie. There is a moderate amount of language, which consists of a few S-words and some other lighter cursing. Throughout the film, there is talk and teasing about sex and sexual innuendos, but nothing graphic is ever shown. However, there is a lot of dancing that some might consider being overtly sexual. I feel like the lyrics and storyline are cleaner than Hamilton, but the production is not. It’s still a great show.
About halfway through the movie, an important and loved character passes away in their sleep. This may be triggering for some who have recently lost a loved one.
There is also a subplot in which a young woman is racially profiled and discriminated against for being Hispanic and shares these stories with her family. This one is very important for some kids to learn about stereotyping, but could be triggering for those who have gone through similar issues. With that said, the occurrences are non-violent and not shown on screen, but could bring up important emotions that need to be discussed.
–Why Watch In the Heights-
In the Heights tells an incredible story of community and support, all wrapped up in a musical bow. You have a large cast of characters who all are doing different things, sometimes opposite of each other, in order to improve their lives and their home city. The passion and care taken in order to craft the songs and the story is very evident.
This movie also brings up some important issues including immigration, undocumented workers, and racial profiling. There is a lot of good discussion that can come out of this movie (see our In the Heights Discussion Questions below) while also just being a genuinely fun movie to watch. The songs, choreography, and visuals combine so well to paint a beautiful image of each of these characters.
Also, there is so much character development in the main characters and it is greatly motivated by discussion and disagreements with friends and family. This is a great example of what it looks like to be able to not only hear, but listen to your family in order to come to an agreement or understanding. This all culminates in a powerful, heart filled finale.
We do want to note that this is a musical movie ADAPTION of the stage play. Hamilton was a meticulous and artistic recording of the play, this is not. Viewers who love the stage production will note a fair amount of changes from stage to screen. Personally, we enjoyed the additions and didn’t terribly miss the subtractions. But if you’re a big fan of the stage production, you are going to want to know about the differences. Here’s a solid list of some of the more prominent changes in the movie by New York Theater. In the Heights the movie is a great adaption of the stage play and we were super happy with the end result.
Learning More About Immigration & Gentrification
- Learn about some Facts about Immigration
- Check out this list of Ways to Help Immigrants
- Learn more about Immigrant Justice and how you can help
- Check out some of these ideas about how to prevent gentrification displacement
Keep reading for our In the Heights Discussion questions…
In the Heights Discussion Questions
- What were some of the suenitos (little dreams) found in the Heights? What are your suenitos?
- What was your favorite song from In the Heights and what did you like about it?
- Nina was struggling wanting to go back to school because of what it was costing her dad and her experience while there. What issues was she experiencing and what convinced her to go back to school?
- If you were stuck in a blackout for multiple days, how would you handle it?
- Usnavi was raised and supported by his Abuela? Who, outside of your parents, has supported you in your dreams?
- Why do you think Usnavi decided to stay in Washington Heights?
Thanks for reading this post.
Is In the Heights Appropriate/In the Heights Parent Review.
Before you go, check out these other posts:
-You can buy the Movie Soundtrack, Broadway Soundtrack, or the New Novel based on the Play
-Hamilton Parent Review and Curriculum
–The Greatest Showman Review and Discussion Questions
–3 Musical Movies for any Age
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