I usually avoid movie biopics. Most of them end up being superficial, exaggerated, or filtered through the producers’ own visions and obsessions instead of truly showing the person and artist behind the legend. And in Michael Jackson’s case — after all the unfair accusations and disgusting things that have been said and produced about him over the years — I had every reason to be skeptical. Still, after seeing a Facebook post by a friend, I decided to give Michael a chance. And I’m incredibly glad I did.
The film is simply fantastic. It achieves something very rare for a biopic: it delivers genuine emotion and makes you feel like the person on screen really is the artist you once admired. Jaafar Jackson was incredible in the lead role. There were moments when I completely forgot I wasn’t actually watching Michael himself. The gestures, the look in his eyes, the voice, the stage presence — everything was recreated with astonishing naturalness.

I was also genuinely happy to see the theater full of young people. By the end, many people in the audience had tears in their eyes. The film carries a very powerful emotional weight, especially for those of us who grew up with Michael Jackson’s music and followed him during the years when he was still alive. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend — someone lost a long time ago, but found again for a few hours. The movie takes you back to a world that now feels gone. I don’t know if it was necessarily a better world than the one we live in today, but for many people Michael represented the idea that there was still light, hope, and beauty left in the world.
My first contact with Michael’s music was in the early ’90s through VHS tapes sent by my uncle from Germany. That’s how I fell in love with his music and admired his unique showmanship. “Smooth Criminal,” “Billie Jean,” and “Dirty Diana” remain some of my favorite songs to this day, and I think the film perfectly captures the magic of that era.
Michael finally does justice to the artist. The movie does not shy away from the suffering and hardships he endured from childhood onward. We see the pain of a child who lost his childhood too early, the enormous pressure placed on him, and the loneliness that followed him for years. At the same time, though, the film also highlights his brighter side: his kindness, generosity, and sincere desire to bring joy to people through music.
This is a film that celebrates both the artist and the man, Michael Jackson. If I had to criticize one thing, it would only be that it feels too short. When it ends, you feel like you wanted to stay in that world just a little longer.
I give it a 9.5/10 and highly recommend everyone see it — especially in IMAX.
Also… FUCK the critics!