The Greatest Showman (Review)

The Greatest Showman wasn't advertised as being released until January 20th but with the demand and opening numbers in America is was pushed forward. Well, my friend and I jumped at the chance to see it early! 

Click here or watch the trailer below. 

Inspired by the imagination of P. T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. 

I went because the trailer looked interesting and the cast had an incredible line up...urm hello? Zac Efron! I came out changed for the better. It's sometimes difficult to understand just how harsh the world used to be. While I can't relate on all levels, I think most people at some point have been bullied in their lives. I think a lot of people have been heartbroken or hurt or felt alone in the world, despite it holding billions of people. I have and I'm sure I will again. 
This portrayal is beautiful and inspiring. Despite differences and hardship, despite uniqueness and upbringing...through it all, there is a positive light and it's the perfect ending to a truly emotional piece of art. 
I was totally sold by the whole story, with incredible and moving acting throughout. Previously, not being a fan of Zendaya, I was worried she might ruin it for me slightly. But one of the stand out scenes is an emotional hospital scene and she was perfect. She didn't overact at all; it felt real and raw. 
I was amazed by how easily the songs told the story. I admit, I eye-rolled as the first song started but listening to the lyrics was beautiful. They really do tell the story as well as the speech and they made it so entertaining. With a fast paced and ever changing plot, plus the incredibly polished dance and choreography sequences, the whole film is flawless. 

Plus, who would have thought Wolverine could sing and dance as well as he did? Troy Bolton was back, bigger and better than ever! The bearded lady is surreal. The star stopper though was Rebecca Ferguson; serene, elegant and simply perfection. 
I'm sure the true story it is only - very - loosely based on doesn't have quite the same theatrical quality this does but it's just wow. I don't have the words to say how this musical brought to life so many factors. For the romantics like me, you'll be pleased to know, the love story is also epic. 
I sit here - once again - listening to the soundtrack. This time I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes. This story touched me in ways I couldn't have imagined possible. I don't know what it was about it, but I connected with every single character in such a deep way. I fell in love with the characters individual stories; I fell in love with the family created; I fell in love with a history I never knew about. 

It's truly magical. I know I haven't seen all the films released this year, but I have seen a lot and for me, The Greatest Showman is without a doubt, my film of the year. 100% everyone has to see this. Go. Today. 

As a side note, I found this article really interesting about how the script and film came to be. 

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