Sometimes, it’s really worth your time, money and energy to attend the movies. If you want to see something you’ll really enjoy, go see Les Miserable.
Although nothing can trump seeing the live musical, this comes close. Unlike the play, you can see some unbelievable scenery and powerful camera shots. The costumes are realistic, and the makeup makes everyone look pretty miserable (the pathetic crowd). Since the movie is so up close, you get a better idea of the characters and their relationships to each other. You get to see the nuances of expression, and feel the characters emotions. I could lose myself in this movie, and I was unaware of the time it took to watch. (It is over 2 hours).
There’s been much made out of the fact that the director made the actors actually sing their parts instead of using recorded soundtracks. He also uses a lot of closeups. . You can actually see every mark on their faces, and some of their neglected looking teeth. I liked the fact that they were really singing when it was filmed.
Anne Hathaway plays Fantine to perfection, and her singing doesn’t disappoint. It doesn’t take her long to turn into a prostitute. It’s almost painful to watch her go through her misery. Although she isn’t on screen that long, her part leaves a lasting impression.
Hugh Jackman makes a good Jean Valjean, our hero and makes a good transformation from a convict (stealing bread) to a moral person. He certainly looks pathetic in the beginning of the movie, and looks like a dashing hero for the rest of it. His voice is fairly strong, and his acting is excellent. If he doesn’t deserve an Oscar, I don’t know who does.
Russell Crowe has the least powerful voice in the production, but I think it’s adequate.( It seems hard to believe the director couldn’t find someone with a bigger voice to play the role.) He plays the villain, Javert convincingly I had heard he was inadequate in the part, so I was pleasantly surprised. I managed to hate him during the movie.
I think Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the slimy innkeepers steal the show when they’re on screen. They both have a lot of charisma that comes through even though their characters are unsympathetic. All the children in the production also do a terrific job, especially the little boy who plays a rebel.
My favorite female in this production was Samantha Brooks as Eponine. When she sings “On My own” in the rain, I loved it. She’s beautiful and has the voice we’ve come to expect when we see a live production of this show.
Amanda Seyfried as the adult Cosette was very believable. She looks the part and her voice is sweet.
If you’re looking for the biggest voices you’ve ever heard in this production, you might be disappointed, but the group choral numbers are quite strong, and Eddie Redmay as Marius lives up to expectations. If you’re looking for a moving story, fantastic scenery, a great reprieve, and something that will bring a tear to your eye, go see this movie.
I would give this production an A!
Related articles
- Movie Corner: Les Misérables (usdailyreview.com)
- Les Miserables, according to the critics (rappler.com)
- Calling All ‘Les Misérables’ Fans: Let’s Get Geeky About Screen vs. Stage (hollywood.com)
- Adam Lambert Slams ‘Les Miserables’ Cast’s ‘Pretend Singers’ (justjared.com)
- ‘Les Miserables’ review: Hugh Jackman soars (newsday.com)
- Les Misérables movie review (meritmerit.wordpress.com)
My Life in my 60's 
Thanks for the great, in depth review! I’m much more likely to go see it now!
Thank you for commenting! I think you will enjoy it.
Hi,
Happy New Year and I wish you much success in your writing and the growth of your blog. All the best.
Ciao,
Patricia
Same to you. I think you’re blog is already growing. I appreciate your support and plan on supporting you this year as well!
Your review is spot on for me. My husband and I have seen the play 9 times so far, and I will say that from the standpoint of the songs, nothing replaces a live performance. That said, I believe I was more invested in the characters and the story in the movie because of seeing their faces so closely and clearly. I noticed, for example, that when Fantine sings “I had a Dream” in the play she always remembers “he spent a summer by my side/and filled my world with endless wonder” with joy and great fondness; Anne Hathaway fills her with anger and regret from the very beginning of the song. Hugh Jackman’s voice was much more powerful than I had anticipated, sometimes rivaling the performances on the anniversary CDs. And I was thrilled to see Colm Wilkinson as the priest. I hadn’t seen that little detail leaked, so it was a wonderful surprise. Thanks for your review.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! That play happens to be one of our family’s favorites. I took my kids to see it when they were little which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. But they still love it!
Whew I cant wait to see Russell Xrowe and Hugh Jackman!
Thanks for commenting.