SUMMARY

Growing up in the early 1800s, P.T.

Barnum displays a natural talent for
publicity and promotion, selling lottery
tickets by age 12. After trying his
hands at various jobs, P.T. turns to
show business to indulge his limitless
imagination, rising from nothing to
create the Barnum & Bailey circus.
Featuring catchy musical numbers,
exotic performers and daring
acrobatic feats, Barnum's
mesmerizing spectacle soon takes
the world by storm to become the
greatest show on Earth.
 First I will talk about the movie plot itself. I never expected a movie about
the circus to be so interesting, especially considering the movie is based on a
true story. I thought that the story of how Barnum’s circus came to be was a
great message of perseverance, acceptance, imagination, and love. It was
inspirational to see Barnum’s journey of following his dreams despite the
obstacles he faced. I love how he used his imagination to create something that
would bring out the happiness of others, while including people who are seen by
society as oddities and freaks. He sticked by these people, and they become a
family. There are also side stories, including a few romances, the difficulties of
the people starring in the circus, and Barnum’s decision to tour with an opera
singer. The plot of the movie can appeal to almost anyone because it has
romance, drama, music, magic, and humor all in one. After seeing The Greatest
Showman,  I have three words: I’m. In. Love. Whether it be with Zac Efron’s
performance, Hugh Jackman’s singing voice, or the amazing story of P.T.
Barnum.
The music. IT IS SO GOOD. Immediately after the movie I bought the
soundtrack, and I listen to it constantly. I can’t really talk much about the music
because I am not a music person, but the entire cast have beautiful voices I think
that they did a great job with making the movie a musical without overdoing it.
The songs were spread out so it did not seem like the entire movie was just
singing; it also did not have any cheesiness that some musical movies can have.
Everyone did amazing, but I personally have to mention Keala Settle, who plays
the Bearded Lady. She has a beautiful and powerful voice that gave me chills
every time and her song “This is Me” is definitely my favorite on the soundtrack. I
literally love all the songs so I can’t really tell you which ones are my favorite. I
highly suggest you listen to all of them, even if you have not seen the movie.
My favourite parts were: when P.T. Barnum and her partner
were able to survive being in a long distance relationship with just
sending each other mails; when Charity Barnum was keep on
inspiring her husband and being positive on things; when P.T.
Barnum was conducting interviews with the different kinds of
people who would want to be a part of his group; when Phillip and
Anne were dancing in the theatre with the use of rope and hoola
hoop after she walked out because of his parents; and when P.T.
Barnum and his wife was able to reconcile with each other after
having their big fight.
 I was impressed of how the technical team was able to make the
editing of the movie a more realistic one. I mean for sure the huge
elephants and the tigers were not real. It is unlike other movies whose
special effects used were such a boo boo. The transitions were
excellent and I found no flaws in that movie. The song “This is Me” is
my favourite and while I was watching this part led by Lettie, I have
imagined myself dancing and singing with my batch mates on our
graduation day with tears in our eyes for the fact that we will be having
separate lives in separate schools when we enter college. I was really
touched with its lyrics especially the part, “I won’t let them break me
down to dust… I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be, this
is me.” I bet we’ll be able to pull it off with the best version one could
ever see on a graduation day. I just hope that we’ll be given this
opportunity.
I have learned some things in this movie. First, one should be able
to handle positively the negative situations in life. I was really annoyed
with the role of Paul Sparks (played as James Gordon Bennett)
because he was publishing negative things (since he was a critic) about
the group of Barnum yet Barnum was still able to control his temper and
say kind words to him. Like even though he could burst out, he chose to
treat him well. Second, one should embrace diversity. This movie has
shown me different kinds of people, may it be physically,
psychologically, and physiologically. They were accepted though some
still didn’t like them. Third, one should treasure one’s talent/s. We are all
blessed with various talents and we should not keep them within ourselves. We should
use them to inspire and help people in bettering their lives.  Fourth, one should
acknowledge the people behind one’s success. When the people of Barnum felt
rejected because he was too busy accompanying Jenny Lind, I also felt hurt because
he should’ve not done that because where he is now was also because of them.
Without Lettie Lutz, Anne Wheeler, Tom Thumb and the other members, his business
won’t be a click. Fifth, one should be contented. P.T. Barnum was wanting for more
than what he had to the point that he was already hurting other people just like his wife.
I was proud of him that in the last part, he was able to let go of his career and focused
on his family where he was indeed truly happy. This was the best ending that I was
expecting from the movie and it has inspired me a lot.
We need to be humble and keep going on our dreams. Believe in what we
believe, do not mind what other peoples say. Keep reaching your dreams it doesn't
matter whether you are rich or poor. The important on all is you do not do bad things.
Learn to be contented on what you have. Learn to make yourself happy because no
one can do it just for you. Every individual has his/her uniqueness or talents and
skills.Each of us has a gift from God.
REVIEW
THE GREATEST
SHOWMAN

Directed by Michael Gracey

Written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon