Bohemian Rhapsody has just become the highest grossing biopic in movie history.
The film – which is based on Freddie Mercury and his time with Queen – is now the highest-grossing music biopic of all time domestically, internationally and worldwide, earning a total of $635 million at the box office.
In the United States, it has beaten previous record holder Straight Outta Compton, which depicts the rise and fall of gangsta rap group N.W.A and its members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre.
Upon release, Bohemian Rhapsody received mixed reviews from critics for its historical inaccuracies and portrayal of Mercury’s life and sexuality. However, Rami Malek’s lead performance and the musical numbers received praise.
The film has received nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Malek also received nominations for the Golden Globe Award, the Critics’ Choice Award and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor.
Despite its record-breaking success, the film hasn’t had an easy road in its release. Last month, it was revealed that Malaysia had cut 24 minutes from the film, and given it an 18 rating, because of its LGBTQ content.
Among the scenes cut were the group performing I Want to Break Free, because it featured them in drag, and a scene where Freddie Mercury tells his fiancée Mary Austin that he is bisexual.
Twitter users were quick to slam the country for removing the scenes, some of which are vital to the biopic’s narrative.
“With all the cuts to the cinema version of Bohemian Rhapsody in Malaysia, I think waiting for online/bluray release would be better,” said one user. “Cutting significant story elements in a movie is just unacceptable.”
Another said: “I watched it in both Singapore & Malaysia & I realise you won’t fully understand if you watch it in Malaysia. Recommend to watch someplace else!”
Universal Music Group (UMG) has also announced that Bohemian Rhapsody has become the most streamed song from the 20th century, racking up a total of 1.6 billion streams.
Making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grange, UMG’s chairman and CEO, said: “Bohemian Rhapsody is one the greatest songs by one of the greatest bands in history.
“My congratulations to Queen and Jim Beach on an incredible achievement that is a testament to the enduring brilliance of Queen.”
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