Yasmin Tang| Reporter
‘The Greatest Showman’, starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, is a terrific film which celebrates both the great work of P.T. Barnum and the unity of those around him,
Phineas Taylor Barnum was a poor young boy who was an apprentice tailor to his father. During a time when his father worked for the Hallett family, Barnum grew close to their daughter, Charity. Shortly after, Barnum’s father died- leaving him abandoned on the streets. In this difficult time, Barnum stayed in touch with Charity through letters for many years until they met as adults. They eventually ended up marrying and had two daughters together- Caroline and Helen.
Barnum, after his company became bankrupt, made a risky decision and took out a large loan from a bank to purchase Barnum’s American Museum. However, it was not very successful. After becoming inspired by his daughters suggestion to exhibit something ‘alive’, he gathers a group of unique individuals to give them a chance to escape the oppression they have faced in the past and to display their rare attributes, but will it pay off?
Personally, I would recommend this film as I think that it has a truly inspiring plot and is a great example of placing importance on acceptance in society. I would like to see more movies of similar messages come to light in the coming years.
