HoSteward's review about Bohemian Rhapsody(2018)

I’m flabbergasted seeing the biopic of a rock superstar turn out like this. "Ordinary and unremarkable" doesn't even begin to describe its dullness. The dialogue is weak and completely abandons any exploration of deeper emotions. As a result, not only are all the character portrayals superficial, but they become unrecognizable and boring onscreen. The music is undeniably powerful, but the credit goes to Queen, not the film. Watching this movie pales in comparison to reading a biography which ignites a far more passionate and exhilarating experience. If there's one redeeming quality, it's the decent cinematography for capturing the grandness of live performances.

I understand why this movie has such a big difference between the professional critiques and the public reception - because aside from the musical aspects, the film itself is lackluster. However, once the stage lights up and the beats and applause fill the air, everything changes. Placing the 10-minute plus of electrifying Live Aid performance at the end is a brilliant move. Who wouldn’t feel an exhilarating rush after hearing "We are the champions", as if they'd just attended a concert? Rather than attributing the good ratings to the film, it's more accurate to say that people are paying tribute to this great band, their timeless works, and the invaluable legacy left behind by Freddie Mercury. (That young boy playing Roger Taylor is also quite handsome, I must say.)

For someone who discovered a whole new world in middle school with "Bohemian Rhapsody", hearing Freddie playing the intro of that song blew me away. Who cares about the script and the film's quality? Isn't the recreation of LIVE AID enough to shut you all up?

The magnificent journey of a four-octave range legendary vocalist being lost and searching for himself. This movie amazingly did not lose its momentum and give a lousy ending due to changing directors, but instead, it challenges many misconceptions about this bisexual superstar. It’s heartwarming and exhilarating, just like a love song written by the other members of Queen for Freddie Mercury. The soul-stirring performance at the Live Aid concert at the end moved me to the core, and the original soundtracks that run through the entire film are incredibly satisfying.

Rami Malek's performance perfectly captures Freddie Mercury's stage charisma. The final portrayal of the Live Aid concert exudes certain greatness, and I searched for the original footage on YouTube, confirming that it’s captured authentically in this movie. From the breathtaking aerial shots over the crowds of fans to seamlessly transitioning to a close-up of Freddie at the piano on the main stage, this composite long shot is just so cool! It gives a feeling of being in the spotlight with the entire universe's attention on him. When he started singing "Life had just begun" at the beginning, I can’t help but cry. Combining that with his revelation to the band members about his AIDS diagnosis earlier, then looking at the lyrics of "Bohemian Rhapsody," it made me feel like every line is a powerful tear-jerker. That's why this biopic chose this song as its title. Freddie Mercury was literally pouring his life and soul into every second on the Live Aid stage. It was the magnificent finale of his legendary life.

The first half of the film feels so rushed all I could think of is: What the hell is this?! We finally have a biopic of Queen, so please don't ruin it. The final Live Aid concert scene turns the tide magically and my inner voice proclaims: Hail Queen! Even if the movie is a mess, the songs can still redeem it. But seriously, the portrayal of Freddie Mercury's personal life seems to be a grandstand while downplaying his true musical spirit and vitality. Freddie Mercury might have attributed his stardom to luck, but we shouldn't deny his talents and hard work in this film.

It can only be described as a decent biopic. Apart from the music, there's nothing particularly remarkable, and the emphasis on certain plot points is questionable. The first segment briefly presents Queen's sudden rise to fame, while the rest of the film focuses on stories revolving around his decision to go solo and a slew of other gossip about him in his later career, which the fans might be even more familiar with. After watching the film, I feel that Freddie's character lacked depth, and the supporting characters also struggled to stand out. Nonetheless, music is such a magical thing that as soon as the intro melody kicks in, I become so hyped up that I don't even want to think about anything else. The songs are just too good. All of them are.

The moment "Bohemian Rhapsody" comes on for the first time as Freddie effortlessly produces it on the piano, I'm overwhelmed with emotions. The Live Aid performance at the end packs such a strong impact that I feel like I am literally at the actual concert. At the same time, I was reminded of the fact that I will never be able to witness a Queen’s live concert in my lifetime. This painful realization coupled with the pounding drumbeats has left me completely overwhelmed in my seat, with only my ears ringing.