The Greatest Showman has become a xmas movie tradition in my family. We keep rewatching it every year, my kids know all songs' lyrics by heart; the feeling we are left with at the end is one of happiness, reconciliation with our true, unique selves. If you have not seen it yet, it will enchant you with its extraordinary story of diversity, family and resilience. 

The show -- an unusual musical -- is a tale of entrepeneurship to celebrate humanity, more specifically, all those around us that might be, in one way or another, different from the familiar, and yet so powerful in their uniqueness. It is the story of a business man who, in a desperate move to survive, creates a circus-like show that brings together unusual characters and talents to amaze the crowds. What the unconvinced crowd call at first a bunch of 'misfits, freaks, spooks', the Greatest Showman calls them 'beautiful, unique, extraordinary'. The contrast between the perception and initial public reaction, and the remarkable display of unique talents and resilience is poignant and invigorating. The way in which these misfits' talents and uniqueness are recognized is simply remarkable. The love story of the mixed-race protagonist couple is heartwarming, and the entire narrative made me think of the LGBTQ movement; the fight for recognition despite the public rejection is strong and victorious. 

Here are the lyrics of the This is Me song; for wonderful, powerful behind the scenes moments see this short recording. If you have not seen the movie yet, I hope you will enjoy it this holiday season, a movie well ahead of its time, and yet one that captures timeless, long deserving say.

Lyrics

THIS IS ME

I am not a stranger to the dark

Hide away, they say

'Cause we don't want your broken parts

I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars

Run away, they say

No one'll love you as you are

But I won't let them break me down to dust

I know that there's a place for us

For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me