Essay: ‘Hamilton’ on the big screen might be the most political film of the year

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It’s challenging to locate a more powerful refutation of the anti-immigrant, anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) views pushed by the Trump administration than what is presented on the silver screen through Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Hamilton” during its first run in movie theaters.

On the first evening, which was a Friday, at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, enthusiastic fans dressed up in powdered wigs and colonial coats, joining the cast in singing every song. The line that received the most applause was, as expected, “Immigrants, we get the job done.

In a city under constant ICE raids, the line draws a unique thunderous applause. Interestingly, the entire performance echoes with greater intensity in the year 2025 when the government is dismantling diversity programs at cultural institutions and universities nationwide. It’s no surprise that the team behind “Hamilton” decided to cancel their scheduled Kennedy Center musical appearance following Trump’s appointment as chairman, after he dismissed the board members and declared the organization too ‘progressive’.

Review

Bad ‘Hamilton’ grade aside, a young Lin-Manuel Miranda overflowed with creativity

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner carried out over 150 conversations in the creation of his depiction of Lin-Manuel Miranda, an artist filled with joy who gathers valuable insights from almost anything he listens to, reads or observes.

In his statement to The Times in March, Lin-Manuel Miranda expressed that ‘Hamilton’, at its core, honors the diversity of America. However, due to a change in the Kennedy Center’s philosophy and leadership, it is no longer suitable for a production like ‘Hamilton’ to be celebrated or celebrate there currently.

The unique aspect of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” which debuted off-Broadway at New York’s Public Theater in 2015, lies in its narrative approach – it portrays the Founding Fathers of the United States primarily through a multi-racial cast. As a Puerto Rican himself, Miranda starred as Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. played Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson was George Washington, and Daveed Diggs took on the role of Thomas Jefferson.

The music had a vibrant, historically rooted hip-hop feel to it. The moving performances were filled with emotion, and the actors’ words danced rhythmically on lyrical currents of democratic values. In Hamilton by Miranda, viewers caught a glimpse of America’s potential as an egalitarian and enlightened society, free from the racial prejudice that has marred it since its inception.

In the upcoming year, we’ll be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this significant event, President Trump has established a task force aimed at planning a series of festivities spanning an entire year, with a grand finale on the National Mall for the Fourth of July. However, Trump’s vision goes beyond just celebrating the occasion; he aims to reinterpret and present a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate history that has unfolded over centuries, focusing particularly on the controversial part slavery played in our nation’s inception and ascent to global power.

In summary, Trump is launching a push to influence the Smithsonian Institution, arguing that it pays excessive attention to the negative aspects of slavery and instructing Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “divisive, race-focused ideology” from its 21 museums. The Smithsonian’s office of diversity was one of the early victims of Trump’s campaign against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), closing shortly after he assumed office.

Entertainment & Arts

President Donald Trump expressed his intention to assume the role of chairman at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a designation that, as of now, the center claims they have not received any official communication regarding Trump’s proposed appointment.

As a movie reviewer, I must say that experiencing “Hamilton” on the big screen was nothing short of electrifying! The film’s portrayal of a powerful, Black Washington and its anti-slavery ideals reverberated through the darkened theater like never before. This groundbreaking production, though originally designed for the stage, has transcended the live setting to become a cultural juggernaut that resonates powerfully onscreen.

The passion and intensity of the actors’ performances shone even brighter in the flickering projector light, their words taking on an urgent quality that added depth to the overall experience. Furthermore, watching “Hamilton” at a movie theater is a far more affordable option compared to attending it live on stage, making this extraordinary production accessible to many more people.

In essence, if you haven’t had the chance to see “Hamilton” live yet or simply want to relive the magic, catching it on the big screen is an experience not to be missed!

The musical “Hamilton” narrates the life of a Founding Father, starting well before the American Revolution and concluding tragically with his death in a pre-dawn duel at the hands of Aaron Burr, who was then Vice President, in New Jersey.

Hamilton was born on Nevis in the British West Indies, outside of marriage, later becoming an orphan. In 1772, he emigrated to the North American colonies. Despite starting with limited means and a strong drive for success, he went on to become a military officer during the Revolutionary War, eventually serving as the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Washington. Hamilton advocated for abolishing slavery but, like many Founding Fathers, also profited from it; he bought and sold slaves on behalf of his in-laws.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’d say the film “Hamilton” tells an extraordinary tale that resonates deeply with America’s history. It portrays a nation built on immigrant dreams and determination, where anyone, regardless of their origin, could climb the ladder of success through hard work and dedication – even ascending to the highest office in the land, the Presidency. The story powerfully illustrates that obstacles like cronyism couldn’t halt the relentless spirit of those who dared to dream big and seize their opportunities in America.

Voices

Commentary: The ICE raids show what state-sponsored terror looks like

It’s now clear that the assumption ICE only targets immigrants with criminal records no longer holds true. Currently, their focus seems to be broadened, aiming to apprehend anyone regardless of location.

According to common tales, the histories of various groups, such as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, who often suffered enslavement, degradation, murder, and exclusion during the formation of this nation, were mostly left out of the national narrative that is commonly told.

The musical ‘Hamilton’ challenges the traditional, predominantly white portrayal of American history through its design, characters, music, and words. It resonates deeply because it doesn’t simply deliver a message in song format; instead, it offers an authentic, lived-experience exploration of our defining tales. A powerful line from the show goes, “you have no control: who lives, who dies, who tells your story.” The impact of ‘Hamilton’ is politically charged because politics are inherent to its theme rather than imposed later. It beautifully depicts the potential and challenges of a young, chaotic democracy as it grappled with the pursuit of equality and the establishment of a government that truly represents its populace.

After a quarter of a millennium, it appears that the American experiment has significantly deviated from its original course, sparking much debate about the reasons behind this departure. Some, like Trump and his followers, advocate for a return to the nation’s supposed origins, seemingly disregarding the systemic inequalities that have been prevalent throughout its history.

The movie adaptation of ‘Hamilton’ is hitting theaters, offering a fresh perspective to inspire viewers that alternatives do exist.

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2025-09-08 19:02