Hamilton (2020 movie) facts for kids

Hamilton is a super popular 2020 American musical movie. It's actually a live recording of the amazing Broadway musical that first opened in 2015. The movie was directed and produced by Thomas Kail. The story, music, and words were all created by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Miranda also stars in the movie as Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He also became the first Treasury Secretary. The movie features the original Broadway cast, which makes it extra special.

Hamilton was first planned to be shown in movie theaters in October 2021. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released early. It came out digitally on Disney+ on July 3, 2020. The movie got really great reviews from critics.

What is Hamilton About?

Hamilton tells the true story of Alexander Hamilton. He was an important person in American history. The musical follows his life journey. It shows how he came to America. It also shows his role in the American Revolutionary War. He helped create the United States government.

The Story of Alexander Hamilton

The story starts with Hamilton's early life. He was born in the Caribbean. He came to America as a young man. He wanted to make a difference. He joined the fight for American independence. He became a trusted helper to George Washington. Washington was the leader of the army.

After the war, Hamilton helped build the new country. He worked with other important figures. These included Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. He helped set up America's financial system. The musical shows his successes and challenges. It also shows his personal life.

Who Made Hamilton?

The main person behind Hamilton is Lin-Manuel Miranda. He wrote the music, the words, and the story. He was inspired by a book about Alexander Hamilton. This book was written by Ron Chernow. Miranda spent many years creating the musical.

Thomas Kail directed the stage musical. He also directed the movie version. The movie captures the energy of the live show. It lets people around the world see it.

Why is it a Musical?

Hamilton tells its story through songs. It uses different styles of music. These include hip-hop, R&B, pop, and traditional show tunes. This mix of music makes it unique. It helps tell the historical story in a fresh way.

The songs help explain complex ideas. They also show the characters' feelings. The fast-paced lyrics keep the audience engaged. It's a new way to learn about history.

From Stage to Screen

The Hamilton movie is not a regular film. It's a recording of the live Broadway show. It was filmed in 2016. This was done with the original cast. Special cameras were used to capture every detail.

This means you can see the actors up close. You can also see the amazing stage. It feels like you are sitting in the theater. But you can watch it from your home.

Why is Hamilton So Popular?

Hamilton became a huge hit for many reasons. Its unique music style attracts many people. The story is about American history. But it feels very modern. It talks about ambition and legacy.

The Music and Songs

The songs are catchy and memorable. They tell a powerful story. Many people love the mix of old and new. The lyrics are clever and full of facts. They make learning history fun.

The Cast and Characters

The actors in Hamilton are incredibly talented. They bring the historical figures to life. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays Alexander Hamilton. Leslie Odom Jr. plays Aaron Burr. Other main actors include Daveed Diggs and Phillipa Soo. Their performances are a big part of the show's success.