Genre: Drama
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aiden Gillen, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers, Allen Leech
Description: A chronicle of the years leading up to Queen's legendary appearance at the Live Aid (1985) concert.
Review: ‘Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?’ The two first lines from Queen’s most famous hit “Bohemian Rhapsody”. And those two lines describe the life of charismatic lead singer Freddie Mercury, who was constantly struggling between his life as showstopper on stage and his doubting social life.
When “Bohemian Rhapsody” was released in 1975, critics were divided. Was it a masterpiece or experimental crap? Whatever you think, nowadays it’s a timeless classic and radio station still often play it. According to the record company Queen presented it to in the days, the radio stations were never going to play a six minute song. But Freddy and his guys decided to release it anyway and turn their back to the record company.
Mercury was born in Zanzibar, as Farrokh Bulsara, and grew up in an Indian family in London. He was always extraordinary and had a distinctive look due to his teeth. When three band members of the band Smile tell him he can never be a lead singer because of his teeth, Mercury has his answer ready: he was born with four extra teeth, which eventually give him a wider range. Hired, and Queen was born.
Mercury becomes their front man and he is the one that calls the shots. He is extravagant, a showstopper and gets his band in unknown creative territory. No one has ever heard anything like Queen or saw anyone like Mercury.
Most hits were born due to creative differences, arguments and the experimental nature of Mercury. This is the focus in the first half of the film. The second half is more focused on Mercury and his inner struggles.
All the actors look like the bandmembers, but it’s Rami Malek that steals the show. From beginning to end, you got the feeling that you’re not watching an actor but you’re actually seeing Freddy Mercury. He looks, walks and talks like Mercury and his performance is unforgettable.
The biopic ends with the memorable performance Queen delivered at Live Aid in 1985. It wasn’t only a highlight for the concert, but also a comeback for Queen. This part of the film is the biggest highlight and the film ends with a bang. Every detail in this sequence is right and Rami Malek is hypnotizing as Mercury. Really mind blowing!!!
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is the biopic both Freddy Mercury and Queen deserved. Definitely one of the best films of 2018.
Rating: 5 / 5
