Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You
By Mandie Caroll,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Hamilton stars reunite, reflect in decent special.
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Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You
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What's the Story?
In HAMILTON: HISTORY HAS ITS EYES ON YOU, host Robin Givens introduces the smash-hit musical with clips from the live recording contrasted with footage of the racial justice protests of 2020 in order to "look at Hamilton the musical as America looks at itself." She discusses the origins of Hamilton with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and goes on to introduce director Thomas Kail and primary cast members of the original Broadway musical. They discuss personal anecdotes related to both the musical and racial justice, as well as answer questions from the host and pre-recorded questions from young Hamilton fans. The show ends with a montage of fans who video recorded themselves singing the first song of the musical, "Alexander Hamilton."
Is It Any Good?
This special, featuring stars from Hamilton the musical, offers some thought-provoking analysis, but it's entertainment at its core. Renée Elise Goldsberry, who played Angelica, reveals a heart-warming anecdote about the cast serving as aunties and uncles to her son, and how meaningful that was for him as a Black boy. Leslie Odom, Jr. (who played Aaron Burr) talks about being challenged by a young woman who said that Hamilton is just Black people telling White people's history. Though sometimes provocative, the commentary on how the musical speaks to the racial justice moment feels a bit shoe-horned in. Harvard law professor, Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed, is included as a critic, but, sadly, gets little airtime. Exemplary cultural analysis isn't really the point of any promotional special, though. After viewers get past the dreadful Zoom-like presentation of the guests in boxes surrounding host Robin Roberts, fans will ultimately enjoy seeing the cast reunited and interacting as friends and artists with great respect for one another. They'll also appreciate the history and themes they explored on stage, as well as the musical's inspiring legacy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the issue of access that Lin Manuel Miranda and other guests discuss in Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes on You. Why do you think it was important to the creator, director, and cast members that students and people without financial resources for expensive tickets could see Hamilton and/or participate in related educational programs?
What is your perspective on the musical as it relates to what's happening in our world right now? What are some of the critiques or flaws that were discussed in the special? Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
What was your favorite story or anecdote that the guests shared? How did it add to your understanding or enjoyment of the musical?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: July 3, 2020
- Cast: Robin Roberts , Lin-Manuel Miranda , Daveed Diggs
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors, Black actors
- Studio: Disney+
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Arts and Dance , History
- Run time: 46 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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