In The Heights - First 8 Minutes

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The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big... “In the Heights.”

Lights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.

“In the Heights” stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films).

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers.

Behind the camera, Chu reunited with his “Crazy Rich Asians” production designer, Nelson Coates, and editor, Myron Kerstein. He also collaborated with director of photography Alice Brooks (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and costume designer Mitchell Travers (“Eighth Grade”). Original songs by Miranda. Alex Lacamoire (“Fosse/Verdon”) and Bill Sherman (“Sesame Street”) served as executive music producers. The choreography is by Christopher Scott, who previously teamed with Chu on the award-winning “The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.”
“In the Heights” was filmed in New York, primarily on location in the dynamic community of Washington Heights.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a 5000 Broadway / Barrio Grrrl! / Likely Story / SGS Pictures Production, A Jon M. Chu Film, “In the Heights.” Slated to open on June 10, 2021 in theaters and on HBO Max, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release.

“In the Heights” is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references.

[Bjorks]

Fun Fact : Most of the background dancers in the movie are the actual dancers from the original broadway show. This is a smart move when adapting musicals to a movie. Have EVERYONE in the original Broadway show to be involved in the movie!!

[napilopez]

I'm a Dominican person who spent so much of his life in Washington Heights and the DR -- now living in Brooklyn -- and this had me bawling. All the little touches that reminded me of things I didn't even know I remembered. Representation is about more than just scoring diversity points -- it's also about elevating the art by leveraging untapped connections with your audience.

[jordanmurphy]

This movie was magical. Talking to my girlfriend afterwards about why it was so impactful made me realize that it’s one of the first times I can remember seeing this many black and brown people on screen for a solid two and a half hours where not a single storyline had to do with crime, prison, slavery, drug use, gangs, or segregation. No mention of any sort of criminal activity. No equating darker skin with malice or mischief. Just hardworking people of color trying to do their best to live their dreams. Revolutionary.

[daniellen.mcculloughproduc]

I worked as an extra during this opening scene and I was so happy to be booked to work it.

[juliannnegron]

When Lin says "Como siempre, Señor Usnavi" at 0:50 it's as if he's passing the torch over to Anthony to take his place in the role... ugh I'm emotional

[anniebananni]

i could not stop smiling. THIS is how you do a movie adaption of a musical, from hiring broadway actors and dancers to the tiny changes in the lyrics it makes it feel so completely authentic and just?? perfect. <3333

[TheStarFishy]

I'm watching this for the 164th time right now.

[cinemoni]

"Cause I immigrated from the single greatest little place in the Caribbean: Dominican Republic! I love it!" * INSTANT TEARS *

[Milmiskew]

This. This right here.
This is art.
I hope every single person involved, from the lead actors, to the costume designers, to the dancers in the far far back know how important they are in bringing Washington Heights come to life this way.
This will live on.

[likesunset]

Is this what it's like to watch a movie musical where people have been cast based on their triple-threat talents and not just on how famous they are? It's beautiful.

[juanguio]

I am Latino and for some reason, the only thing that had me tearing up more than Paciencia y Fé was seeing Carnaval del Barrio. Seeing all those people just being so proud of their country and their “beautiful flag” made me so emotional I didn’t know what else to do but cry with a pride of my own home country.
Anyone else feel this way?
PS: Viva Colombia!! 🇨🇴
💛💛💙❤️

[sierranicole]

usnavi’s “ayo good morning” gets me every time bro i feel like hes flirting with me

[avettcore]

Fun fact: Lin dressed like his grandfather when he was playing piragua guy!

[Bjorks]

I'll always love Lin Manuel Miranda as Usnavi but Anthony Ramos managed to live up the spirit and energy of Lin's Usnavi!! Looks like Lin is passing the torch to Ramos!!

[biblepark]

I have a 8 month old baby. Tonight me and my husband went to our first movie night after the baby because I HAD TO WATCH THIS MOVIE IN THE THEATER, and it was so worth it!! 2007, I came to US as a international student from Korea, my first spring break I visited NY. I watched this musical by accident (My friend and I wanted to see Lion King but it was too expensive and sold out) and it became MY LIFE MUSICAL!!! Even though I didn’t understand what the actors saying due to my poor Eng then, I became a big fan. And 13 years later, the movie came out, for 2hr 23min my heart was overflowing and full with joy and tears. This time I understood most of the words and lyrics and realized it's not just about music, dance and love stories. It's about the immigrants who works so hard for their dream, but still discriminated against. It's such a story like my husband's parents and himself had been through. I raise my thumbs up with Respect to all the immigrants especially Latinos. I hope that many people will watch this movie and will have a same heart as I do. Rise Up, Voice Up! Since when are we scared of heat?? 🙌🇩🇴🇨🇺🇵🇷🇰🇷

[lizardgirl]

This movie was actually amazing. I grew up in Washington Heights and they filmed at my childhood pool. Some of the background dancers are people from our actual block. The memories this musical brought make made me have so much nostalgia. They captured our WH perfectly.

[Cromartie]

POV: You're singing every word because this is one of your top favorite musicals and you're happy to finally see it get a movie after all this time 😭💖

[Bjorks]

Let's give a praise to the editors of the movie who worked so hard on crafting this scene to make it so perfect!!!!

[jojijonass]

I saw this in theaters two days ago and I’m honestly still in shock. Seeing latino and Hispanic culture on screen is something I’m definitely not used to, and it managed to address a lot more than i expected, like the pressure of being the first in a family to go to college, money problems, being undocumented and having unconventional dreams. I did have to translate some background Spanish for a friend though lol

[Comedyking]

Just seen it.

This was hands down the best movie adaptation of a broadway show ever adapted.