Well by now many of you have seen the movie "The Greatest Showman." They picked an amazing cast to bring this production to life. What I personally find to be even more amazing is the messages and lessons that come from this one film. Since I have seen it so many times, (make that five to be exact.) I personally feel like each character brings something special to the table. They each have their own story and own part in providing us a lesson about life.
1. P.T Barnum (Hugh Jackman)
Ah, yes. The main man of this whole show. P.T. is a man who wants to provide the best for his family and will go to the ends of the earth to do so. He shows us what it is like to be passionate and driven about an idea you create. He also shows us that we are all human and we make mistakes in life. What is most important is how we regroup from them like he does at the end of the film.
2. Lettie Lutz (Kaela Settle)
This woman steals the show throughout this film. Not only is she an amazing singer but she is so strong in her convictions. She tells Barnum like it is and she lets everyone know she is worthy of anything. She loves the circus and the home it has given her. When she takes charge of "This is Me" we are all reminded that self-acceptance is an amazing thing. It lets us remember that our lives are what we make of it and when we know are our self-worth we are stronger than any words that may try to tear us down.
3. Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron)
*Swoon* Okay, now let's move past that. Phillip is a young man who is wrapped up in the wealth and vanity of what is in front of him. He is a play writer who is struggling immensely. He is first offered a chance to escape that life. In the moment he begins by opposing it immensely. But when Barnum tells him it could be a chance to escape the misery and feel freer he takes it. Phillip like many of us would jump at a chance for happiness. He, however, begins to feel hesitation to continue to please his wealthy family and stay confined within certain stereotypes. That including his dating preferences. He loves a woman and receives a massive wake-up call when she pushes him away because of judgment due to racial tensions during the time period of the film. However, he pushes through these stereotypes and fights for love as we all should. Regardless if it is because of sexuality or anything that society frowns upon.
4. Anne Wheeler (Zendaya)
A queen in her own right. Throughout this entire film, we see a young woman who is strong in her convictions and beliefs bring everything to the forefront. She teaches us that speaking our mind is okay and sticking up for ourselves is what we should do. Also, we see her stick it to Phillip during "This is Me" because she is never going to change for someone who can't accept her the way she is. This idea is often lost in the dating world of today. We get so caught up in trying to do anything to impress that one "perfect" person. She shows us that who we are is the most beautiful thing we can be.
Overall, this film teaches us about acceptance. Acceptance of ourselves and everything about our lives. If we don't like something, we have the power to change our future for the better. Although things may become tough along the way, we become stronger in the end.
Also, this film teaches us that we are all special in our own way. We all are forging a path to becoming who we are meant to be. We beat a drum to a distinct rhythm that we make and we make our lives into what we want them to be.
To "The Greatest Showman,"
Thank you for bringing these characters to life and teaching so many lessons along the way. You brought joy into many people's lives, including mine with this film. This film is truly a celebration of humanity.
