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Bohemian Rhapsody backdrop

Bohemian Rhapsody

16 November 2018English2h 15m
DramaMusic
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 11 scored reviews · 3 not rated

Malek shines, but the writing gives Mercury's story far less than it deserves.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Rami Malek's committed performance
  • Criticised: Superficial writing and storytelling

Audience

User score 7.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 14 critics are saying

Critical reception for Bohemian Rhapsody is mixed-to-positive, with most reviewers acknowledging the film as an entertaining if imperfect tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen. Rami Malek's performance as Mercury is the most consistently praised element across reviews, with several critics noting his physical commitment to the role even where the film itself falls short. The most common criticism is that the writing and storytelling are superficial, with reviewers pointing to flat characterisation, a sanitised treatment of Mercury's personal life, and a reliance on hits-compilation nostalgia over deeper biographical insight. A handful of critics found the film's crowd-pleasing energy sufficient, but the consensus suggests the music and Malek carry a screenplay that does not match their quality.

How the 11 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 14 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (14)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    he storytelling may not have the operatic quality of Queen's music or the unforgettable notes of Freddie's voice, but as a film, this is easy come, easy go.

  2. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    The film is never less than watchable because the performances are first-rate even when the writing isn't.

  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Rami Malek puts in an astonishing bit of work getting Freddie right (especially with those teeth), and makes light work of it, his eyes reflecting the hunger the film never sweats to show.

  4. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    The makers have smartly named the film 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and not Queen because more than the band, it focuses on the life of its lead singer Farrokh Bulsara who was later known as the legend, Freddie Mercury.

  5. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    As Malek takes centre stage in the final Live Aid act as Freddie, the director gives you a glimpse of the moments before he takes the podium. The camera follows him like a shadow. It captures his nervous energy, his pulsating drive to entertain once again and the fighter that Freddie Mercury was. There was more to him than his nonconformist, outrageous and wild shindigs. Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates his undying spirit beautifully through his music. From exploring Freddie's take on mixing genres, innate desire to taking risks, not wanting to 'fix' his teeth to doing the good deeds — this one's an uplifting tearjerker!

  6. Film Companion

    Film review ·

    A Shamelessly Passionate Movie About A Hopelessly Passionate Musician...This is not so much a historically inaccurate biopic as it is a celebration of art through its artist

  7. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The script has the necessary wit, Freddie's break-out antics are well documented and the excellent tech work makes it all blend in to form a composite whole

  8. Rediff

    Film review ·

    Bohemian Rhapsody's crowd-pleasing nostalgia cheers Freddie Mercury's exhilarating sound and infectious power play with such all-out gusto, you WILL break free all over again...

  9. Sify

    Film review ·

    Bohemian Rhapsody may not be "the film", Queen fans wanted it to be, but it surely is a sweet, sugar-coated memento for the legendary singer.

  10. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    But by the end of the film, that is what it feels like… listening to a 'Greatest Hits' compilation instead of experiencing the band's discography from within. We did not need all their big hits stitched into the narrative. What we needed is the film to offer us something much more. I waited very patiently for that. Sadly, it never came.

  11. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Rami Malek does his best as the iconic Freddie Mercury but could still not save the film that is only looking to make the people sing along to Queen's hit songs and give a superficial look at their story.

  12. LiveMint

    Film review ·

    Describing the band to manager John Reid (Gillen), Freddie says, "Now we're four misfits who don't belong together, we're playing for the other misfits. They're the outcasts, right at the back of the room. We're pretty sure they don't belong either. We belong to them." This is why Queen remains iconic and, even though the movie may not do either the band or the singer justice, you will be singing Bohemian Rhapsody all the way home.

  13. Scroll.in

    Film review ·

    In the end, the movie belongs to Freddie Mercury, the Bohemian rhapsodiser of the title, who conquers with his voice from beyond the grave. The movie comes alive every time Mercury's sonorous voice booms out of the screen. His powerful singing makes it possible to endure the flat writing and staging with your eyes shut and your ears open.

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