In The Heights My Mom Is Dominican

Okay, unpopular opinion time! In The Heights? Loved it. The music, the dancing, the energy? *Chef's kiss.* But here’s the thing...

My Mom Is Dominican: The Musical Experience

My mom? She's pure Dominican fire. Think Abuela Claudia, but with a slightly louder laugh and a serious obsession with plátanos maduros. Seeing In The Heights was... an experience.

First off, the pride. Seeing that Dominican flag waving high? Instant tears (mostly from my mom, let's be real). It's like the Dominican Republic got its own Broadway spotlight.

Then came the commentary. Oh boy, did my mom have opinions. And they were *loud*.

The Food: A Serious Discussion

Let's talk food. The empanadas looked good, sure. But my mom was on a mission to critique the authenticity. "Where's the sancocho?!" she demanded.

I swear, if they'd shown a proper pot of sancocho bubbling, she'd have given the movie a perfect score. Apparently, pasteles weren’t cutting it.

And don't even get her started on the lack of mangu. A Dominican breakfast staple, criminally underrepresented!

The Accent: A Never-Ending Debate

Accents are tricky, right? Some were good, some... well, let's just say my mom had notes. Very detailed, very specific notes.

It’s not just about getting the words right. It’s the rhythm, the intonation. That’s the real flavor, according to my mom. And apparently, some actors needed more sazón!

I’m pretty sure she spent half the movie muttering about proper pronunciation. Bless her heart.

The Culture: More Than Just Music

The music was incredible. Seriously, Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genius. But culture is more than just catchy tunes, isn't it?

My mom felt like some of the nuances were missing. The quiet moments, the family drama, the tiny details that make Dominican culture so rich. It's not all just big parties and vibrant colors.

She wanted to see more of the everyday struggles, the quiet strength of Dominican women, and the deep connection to the homeland. Fair enough, Mom. Fair enough.

Still Loved It (Mostly)

Despite her critiques, my mom did love In The Heights. How could she not? It's a celebration of her heritage.

It sparked so many conversations. We talked about her childhood in the Dominican Republic. We laughed about family stories. We even tried (and failed) to make proper empanadas.

So, yeah, In The Heights through my Dominican mom's eyes? A rollercoaster of emotions, opinions, and a whole lot of food commentary. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Maybe Lin-Manuel can make a sequel. With more sancocho. And a mangu masterclass. Just a thought.

Because at the end of the day, it's about representation. Seeing ourselves on screen, flaws and all. And maybe, just maybe, finally getting that sancocho representation we deserve.