Bohemian Rhapsody
Rami Malek delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Freddie Mercury in this Best Picture-winning biopic of Queen. Penned by Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything).
Bohemian Rhapsody's long gestation, since 2010, has seen the departure of Sacha Baron Cohen as Mercury (later called an "arse" by Queen guitarist Brian May) and director Bryan Singer from part of the shoot in controversial circumstances.
- Director:
- Bryan Singer ('X-Men', 'Superman Returns', 'The Usual Suspects')
- Writer:
- Anthony McCarten
- Cast:
- Rami MalekBen HardyGwilym LeeJoseph MazzelloAidan GillenTom HollanderLucy BoyntonMike Myers
Reviews & comments
Variety
pressWith a performance as commanding as Rami Malek's at its centre, why isn't Bohemian Rhapsody a better movie?
Time Out
pressThe energy of Malek's imitation helps to bind what amounts to a series of gossipy but harmless rock-world anecdotes into something vaguely coherent.
The Times
pressBohemian Rhapsody, an eight-year abomination in the making...cannot claim to have achieved even wiki-movie status.
The Guardian
pressA bolder film might have explored the relationship between Mercury's hedonism, his mostly closeted sexuality and his on and off-stage personas in a more nuanced way.
Stuff
pressBohemian Rhapsody is an often irritating and occasionally unforgivable film. It is also one hell of a good night out. Go see it.
Screen Daily
pressAppropriately for a group known for its theatrical, crowd-pleasing tunes, this biopic carries itself lightly, serving up familiar plot points with panache and a sense of humour.
New Zealand Herald
pressIf you're after a stirring account of Queen's musical life, then this one is for you. However, if you're after an authentic retelling of Mercury's off-stage life, you'll be let down.
Newshub
pressRami Malek is convincing enough under pressure to play Mercury well, and as the Hollywood version of the story of Queen, I enjoy it quite a bit.
FilmInk
press...it is not necessary to like Queen's music in order to find this film watchable and mildly enjoyable.
Empire Magazine
pressThe film has a secret weapon: Rami Malek. As Mercury he is spectacular.
Caught me by surprise, not my usual preference, but I was captivated! The cast were amazing; Rami Malek captured the loneliness always just beneath the surface. The songs were simply the best! A must-see people.
Watching this in a cinema is the closest some of us will get to the real Live Aid. To watch Malek's extraordinary performance on anything other than a huge screen wouldn't do this film justice. BR just gets better with repeat viewings and will instill a newfound love for Queen songs - leaving cinema-goers firing up Spotify as credits roll.
Feel like your part of a stadium stomping your feet to "We Will Rock You". Rami Malek morphs into the enigma that is Freddy Mercury. Dive into his heritage that was never in the spotlight. His parents offer valuable insights into why Farrokh became Freddy. If you sit back and give in, this film will take you on a journey.
First half is epic! Then it drags a bit but the finish is good. Lacks a bit of explaining what is happening and no clear timeline so unless you know the story and history well you may get a bit lost here and there. Music of course is what saves this movie.
The concert scenes - be it a small corner pub or Madison Square Gardens were electric. As a casual fan I couldn't tell where the creative liberties took over but the story rolled along at an enjoyable pace, a couple of corny parts here and there but easily forgiven as it was a fun ride. Yeah, I teared up near the end. The likeness of the all the characters...
It's loud and sensational, with phenomenal performances throughout. However, along with its, rather weak, softer scenes, it won't completely rock you.
A superficial, by the numbers biopic. Sure, a lot of movies based on actual events twist the truth to make the story more entertaining, but "Bohemian Rhapsody" is full of lies and I thought the changes were disrespectful to Freddie Mercury. The direction, colour grade and cinematography makes this look like something that was made for Netflix. The script is...
Variety
pressWith a performance as commanding as Rami Malek's at its centre, why isn't Bohemian Rhapsody a better movie?
Time Out
pressThe energy of Malek's imitation helps to bind what amounts to a series of gossipy but harmless rock-world anecdotes into something vaguely coherent.
The Times
pressBohemian Rhapsody, an eight-year abomination in the making...cannot claim to have achieved even wiki-movie status.
The Guardian
pressA bolder film might have explored the relationship between Mercury's hedonism, his mostly closeted sexuality and his on and off-stage personas in a more nuanced way.
Stuff
pressBohemian Rhapsody is an often irritating and occasionally unforgivable film. It is also one hell of a good night out. Go see it.
Screen Daily
pressAppropriately for a group known for its theatrical, crowd-pleasing tunes, this biopic carries itself lightly, serving up familiar plot points with panache and a sense of humour.
New Zealand Herald
pressIf you're after a stirring account of Queen's musical life, then this one is for you. However, if you're after an authentic retelling of Mercury's off-stage life, you'll be let down.
Newshub
pressRami Malek is convincing enough under pressure to play Mercury well, and as the Hollywood version of the story of Queen, I enjoy it quite a bit.
FilmInk
press...it is not necessary to like Queen's music in order to find this film watchable and mildly enjoyable.
Empire Magazine
pressThe film has a secret weapon: Rami Malek. As Mercury he is spectacular.
Caught me by surprise, not my usual preference, but I was captivated! The cast were amazing; Rami Malek captured the loneliness always just beneath the surface. The songs were simply the best! A must-see people.
Watching this in a cinema is the closest some of us will get to the real Live Aid. To watch Malek's extraordinary performance on anything other than a huge screen wouldn't do this film justice. BR just gets better with repeat viewings and will instill a newfound love for Queen songs - leaving cinema-goers firing up Spotify as credits roll.
Feel like your part of a stadium stomping your feet to "We Will Rock You". Rami Malek morphs into the enigma that is Freddy Mercury. Dive into his heritage that was never in the spotlight. His parents offer valuable insights into why Farrokh became Freddy. If you sit back and give in, this film will take you on a journey.
First half is epic! Then it drags a bit but the finish is good. Lacks a bit of explaining what is happening and no clear timeline so unless you know the story and history well you may get a bit lost here and there. Music of course is what saves this movie.
The concert scenes - be it a small corner pub or Madison Square Gardens were electric. As a casual fan I couldn't tell where the creative liberties took over but the story rolled along at an enjoyable pace, a couple of corny parts here and there but easily forgiven as it was a fun ride. Yeah, I teared up near the end. The likeness of the all the...
It's loud and sensational, with phenomenal performances throughout. However, along with its, rather weak, softer scenes, it won't completely rock you.
A superficial, by the numbers biopic. Sure, a lot of movies based on actual events twist the truth to make the story more entertaining, but "Bohemian Rhapsody" is full of lies and I thought the changes were disrespectful to Freddie Mercury. The direction, colour grade and cinematography makes this look like something that was made for Netflix. The script...
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