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A Broadway musical about Latinos in New York is now a Hollywood movie

^[1] In the Heights was a big musical (a story with singing and dancing). It started as a live show in New York in 2008. It was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also wrote another famous musical called Hamilton. Now In the Heights, which cost $38 million to make, is also a big musical on the movie screen.

Latinos in New York

^[2] The movie, which opened in June 2021, tells the story of Latinos in New York City. The main character is Usnavi. His family are immigrants from the Dominican Republic. He lives in a neighborhood called Washington Heights. Many other Dominican families live there, too. Usnavi owns a bodega, which is like a small grocery store.

A man with dreams

^[3] Usnavi has big dreams. He also has a big decision to make. He received a lot of money after his grandmother died. Now Usnavi thinks about moving to the Dominican Republic to retire. It's not an easy decision for Usnavi because he cares a lot about his community. So the story is about more than just one man.

The immigrant's experience

^[4] The movie is also about immigration. It's about how a neighborhood changes over time. The author says the movie seems very important right now. Its main idea is "We are just like you." Many people agree with that idea, but some disagree. They say "No, you don't belong here. The country is full." This movie challenges that idea.

Changing the world

^[5] Jon M. Chu is the movie's director. He also made the movie Crazy Rich Asians. Chu says, "You can't change the world if they don't want to change. But never underestimate the power of planting a seed. I believe that this movie is an amazingly beautiful seed that can change a lot of minds."

^[6] The movie is in English (with some Spanish), and it is about 120 minutes long.