I am not a fan of musicals. I have always wondered how it makes sense to have people burst into song and dance without having any actual reason to. I never bought into the craze, but after I was finally convinced to give this film a try, I fell in love! “The Greatest Showman” is a biography of the Barnum and Bailey Circus that illustrates the struggles of breaking the status quo in the 1800’s.

The movie stars Hugh Jackman as Barnum himself, Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle, who later becomes a partner of the circus, and Zendaya as a trapeze artist who doubles as the love interest of Carlyle. The choice of actors and actresses are impeccable because they have the voices and emotion to bring the historic events into the 21st century while giving it an authentic feel.

The film shows Barnum struggling to provide a good life for his family after he gets dismissed from his mediocre job. He gets inspired and takes a risky loan out and purchases a museum filled with “curiosities,” such as wax figures and taxidermy animals. His two daughters suggest that he needs more live things and maybe then they will sell more tickets. He laughs it off and heads to bed only to see an apple, one identical to an apple he was given several years ago by a woman who looked abnormal. The idea hits him and he begins employing “freaks” and “unique persons” to perform in his new and improved circus. He claims that people are fascinated by the macabre, and this theory is proven by the sudden spike in ticket sales, and thus the modern day circus is officially born.

The songs that are featured in the movie include “The Greatest Show,” “The Other Side,” “This is Me,” “Rewrite the Stars,” and many more. The songs add to the complex and riveting plot and appeal to the audience. The varied tunes and emotions create a performance that is sure to impress.

The picture addresses the topics that no one discussed back then, such as people with disabilities, abnormalities, and those of a different skin color. Barnum’s family and circus was not accepted by the New York society and were constantly judged and ridiculed due to the unconventional way he made his fortune. The movie musical powerfully portrayed the constant struggle of being different from the societal norm.

To give a glimpse into how amazing it is, I saw the movie 8 times last week! If you are fascinated by the idea of overcoming tribulations, this movie is for you!

Five out of five stars.