Queen: I Want to Break Free (1984 Music Video) User Reviews

Innovative and crazy

[steficere · 9/10 · 20 March 2020]

I love this video, it is something never done before, with original coreography, outstanding costume design, intresting direction and One of the most wonderful queen songs. It also sends a modern and important message.

Bold and beautiful

[kevinmeylemans · 8/10 · 26 June 2020]

Astonishing band which went for a bold and amazing move that felt natural and inspiring but subsided their career in the States if that's what it took but it showed courage and bravery which just shouldn't be taken for granted at that time. Interesting lil making-of film of this music video and the narrative behind the project..

Sounds like a motivational movie, but it falls pretty flat

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 23 September 2018]

Here we have the 4.5-minute music video for "I Want to Break Free" by Freddie Mercury's Queen, one of their most famous songs still today without a doubt. This is from 1984, the year I was born, so almost 35 years old now. It was directed by (then not yet) Emmy winner David Mallet and honestly for that time I can see why many viewers (and listeners) will not necessarily appreciate a video where all the band members carry female clothes. Drag may be tolerable for comedy, but for artistic creation of music it's more controversial than really making a statement I am afraid, especially if you look at Mercury's really over-the-top clothes pink here and the stache going with it. That is not to say I am against it. Not at all. I just think that maybe they neglected the creative side here for shock factor because honestly apart from the slightly catchy chorus, this was pretty much a disappointment to me visually and audibly. I like some of Queen's stuff and there is no denying they came up with some songs (and music videos) for the ages, but I would not say this is one of them and I don't share the praise. So only check this one out if you really adore Queen. But then you probably have done so already years ago. Otherwise you won't be missing much. The emancipation or pro-female aspect here and against oppressing women with household work instead of letting them pursue their own careers is almost non-existent to me.

Edit: 8th November 2018: Gotta gove this one an additional two stars because the song turned out pretty catchy in my head since I reviewed this 1.5 months ago and I've been listening to it many times now already. Video is still weak though, especially those parts outside the family home.