A flawed film and performance that will sweep you off your feet

Rating: 9/10 (20 November 2018)

13th of July 1985, you have probably read the cliche many times by now, but the reality is that it is true. That day will stay with me forever.
I was just a kid of 14th who barely spoke English and I spent the whole day glued to the TV watching the performance like just about half of the planet.
It is be difficult to convey through generations how truly special that concert was, specially in this era where everything is instantaneously available to everyone. That was not the case then. And then came Queen, or rather, Freddie Mercury - I knew and liked them but I had not seen them live. That was it for me, again, forever. I would not call myself a Queen fanatic but obviously I like them
I approached the film with a bit of anxiety and I came out with mixed feelings. However even 3 day later I cannot take it out of my head, to the point that I need to write about it. Let me be straight.
It is an average film that runs superficially through the life and tribulations of the group and Freddie's and ends with a cut down version of the concert.
It is also a far-from-perfect representation of who Freddie was, with little of his charisma and his "joie de vivre". Just look in Youtube, there is enough material on him and people talking about him to realise how that guy did not need a costume or a crown to magnetise you and everyone else and how as someone puts it -"if he wanted you, he would have you". Freddie did not magnetise you because he could do anything on stage, he could do anything because he magnetised you and everyone else along the way.
And yet Malek's performance is astonishingly good, because let's not forget, there is no one like Freddie - and I doubt there will be. He brings part of him, not all of him and at times almost makes you forget.
And the film builds up to an astonishing moment and captures the essence of that moment so accurately that is impossible to shake off. Of course you can see the whole thing in Youtube but, hey much closer if you are in a cinema, or even better in an IMAX.
The rest of the movie, well, it is helpful background to understand the character and, in the end this is just a movie not a documentary (even if the concert is fairly accurate) and takes tons of liberties, but, at least in my opinion, it achieves what is set to do, it entertains and it tells the story, or the essence of it sufficiently well.
Last part, I promise, I have read that this is only for fans. Well, of course, it plays with nostalgia but I essentially disagree. I challenge any newby not to be moved by the concert just like i was in 1985 - it does not matter if you watch the real thing before or not. And if this film gets anyone interested on Freddie believe me the closer you get, the more fascinated you will be.
Summary: Far from perfect film and far from perfect representation, but please do not forget how wonderfully multilayered Freddie was and do not forget that this is a 2h15mins film. Let the story guide you and I very much doubt you will be disappointed.
I give it a 9 - not because it is consistently brilliant but because just some parts are completely off the chart (pretty much like Queen music) and I average out