Bohemian Rhapsody

Yeah, it was alright. While Bohemian Rhapsody is at first glance the prototypical film that misses me by a thousand miles (a musical, a biopic gay drama) is a bit of the opposite of my favorite (horror, action, thriller), but oddly enough I saw the film and I’m alive and well. Rami Malek overacts a bit too much for my taste, but he and Freddie are very similar in appearance and he doesn't do a shameful job for a second-rate actor. Story-wise, there's not much of interest and the only strong moment comes in the final performance at Wembley, which is definitely good. I certainly won't see it again, but I was expecting suffering and in the end I got a fairly watchable film. 60%. (18/03/2019)

The story of one of the greatest bands of all time, Queen, and its charismatic lead singer Freddie Mercury, is conceived as a grand celebration of their music, energy and camaraderie rather than a classic biopic. Instead of private information, dying of AIDS or escalating conflicts between the protagonists, there are concerts, singing and the film tries to entertain above all. Fans will probably appreciate this, but if you go to the cinema expecting to learn more or get any significant insight into Mercury's private life, you'll probably leave disappointed. (01/11/2018)

Bohemian Rhapsody is an emotional and vigorous celebration of artistic dedication, individualistic eccentricity and the importance of standing your ground. The funny and fresh introduction of how the band’s greatest hits were created in the studio provides some comic relief from the emotional relationships that build the characters’ depth and, at the same time, serves as a musical precursor to the final CONCERT, which with amazing technical skill summarizes all of the joys, pains and life values of Mercury and his loved ones touched upon by the movie. One can hardly believe that it was so “movie-like fateful” in reality and that the Mercury’s ex-wife was always the person closest to him, even though he had strayed sexually. This amazingly edited, lighted and, above all, well-acted film offers a lot of playful details without a single creative lapse or weak spot. Rami Malek has you in the palm of his hand from the moment he appears in front of the cameras. You’re there with him, getting drunk on his acting performance and watching the uniquely depicted character placed in the web of friendly, professional and romantic relationships. You admire him, root for him and, in the end, during the CONCERT, you feel terribly sorry for him. You feel that the world lost something precious when it lost Freddie Mercury. Bohemian Rhapsody is the best music biopic I’ve ever seen. A huge screen and quality sound are a must. (30/10/2018)

Singer mechanically cycles through human dramas, studies, and live performances that in parts are brimming with energy, oozing from all sides - from the excellent actors, through the camera and editing, to the last precisely-aimed spotlight. Otherwise, the 130 minutes slip by like a missed chance to go beyond the edge of a slick biopic that suits the screen. But the fact that the audience, regardless of age and musical taste, sits down to watch it in droves means above all that the effort to please absolutely everyone has succeeded perfectly. However, if it wasn’t for the brilliant music (and I say this as someone who is not that fond of it), it's a seasonal dud. Fortunately, it's about the music, and I won't hide the fact that it moved me. (09/12/2018)

The celebration of a legend, sunny, full of breathtaking energy and musical highlights. Some of the passages are unnecessarily cinematic, not improvisational enough and quite for effect. Here is where the spontaneous A Star is Born wins. This is reminiscent of 2013, when the two best films of the year, Gravity and Rush, stood side by side and each had a slightly different fan base. Both were great films, but while Rush was a true-to-life story, graspable by any spectrum of audiences, Gravity wanted a more ambitious recipient who was willing to "put in the work" to be rewarded. The same thing happens here, and in films that are very similar in genre. Bohemian Rhapsody is the more challenging sibling, A Star is Born is a gentle American love story, but it manages to work better with emotions. And unlike Rhapsody, you'll take away a bit more from the cinema than just a polished musical component and an interesting depiction of a typically internally torn weirdo artist. (18/11/2018)