Les Misérables (2012)
Feb. 5th, 2013 11:27 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
birdienl
In 1862, the French author Victor Hugo wrote the nove Les Miserables, which is often mentioned to be among the greatest 19th century novels. In 1980, the book was adapted into a musical, which became one of the longest-running Broadway productions ever. Now, a movie has been made of this musical with the wonderful Tom Hooper (The King's Speech) as a director and starring well-known actors such as Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russel Crowe. With such a legacy, isn't this bound to be an epic movie?
Well, opinions seemed to differ widely on that, as I've read in numerous reviews around the internet these last month. But, as I heard more than enough things to interest me, I decided to check it out for myself. For the record, this was my first exposure to the story o Les Miserables. I have not (yet) read the book, watched a previous adaptation or a show of the musical. And watching this movie from that perspective, I can only say it was amazing! Touching, inspiring and amazing. What an inspiring story, what touching acting and singing performances and what an amazing movi overall!
The story starts as angry and bitter convict '24601' Jean Valjean is released from prison after 19 years. As everyone turns away from him, he sees no other option than to keep himself alive stealing again, until a kind bishop offers him shelter and teaches him the meaning of forgiveness. This leads to Valjean starting a different life and six years later we find him a wealthy factory owner and mayor. In this position he is able to be good to many poor in his town, but his old life is still haunting him when former prison guard Javert becomes a police inspector in Valjean's town.
Watching the movie, I fell in love with this story. It's no wonder this is a classic, this story which encompasses so many themes: justice and grace, villainy and heroism, familial and romantic love. This is a story to set you thinking for days and to give you new insights. It is also a sad story, but when I went home from the cinema I said to the friend I was with: 'I've never seen a movie in which so many of the characters die and which is still hopeful and uplifting.' I think that says it all, this movie gives us an outlook beyond everyday earthly life, a prospect of a time and place when there will be no more death, poverty and injustice, but only joy. Whát a message to be displayed in a secular movie in 2013!
I've read many reviews and commentaries about this movie and the singing of the actors was often a topic o criticism. While it is true that the music of this movie might not be music you would listen to on a cd, for the purpose of telling the story and depicting the emotions of the characters, it was just perfect! All the songs were very raw and emotional, with as (obvious?) highlight the heart-breaking rendition of 'I dreamed a dream' by Anne Hathaway and the very powerful portrayal of Valjean by Hugh Jackman. The rest of the cast was also more than fine with all the actors truly embodying their role
Not only the songs o Les Miserables re raw, so is the cinematography of this movie. Dirt and worn-out clothing emphasize the desperation of the poor, the barricade build of furniture the passion, but also th naivety of the revolutionary students. Some scenes were hard to watch because of their sheer sadness or violence, but in my opinion were mostly instrumental to bring across the message of the story. Contrasts between colors and grey hues play an important role in telling the story. I loved how interconnected everything was and how close this made you feel to the narrative o Les Miserables
In summary, I absolutely recommend this movie to everyone in love of a powerful story. It might not be a happy movie to watch, still you will leave th theater eeling inspired and hopeful.
What to know: here are at least two scenes showing inappropriately corset-clothed women working at their 'trade'. Women are 'fondled' and we experience a prostitute's first costumer (her expression of pain is focused upon). Sexual activity is referenced upon in song lyrics. Multiple people are killed by gunfire including one young boy and later seen lying in their own blood. There are numerous instances of common profanities and some abuse of God's name. The film is rated PG13.
This review was written for the Period Drama Challenge at Old-Fashioned Charm
Well, opinions seemed to differ widely on that, as I've read in numerous reviews around the internet these last month. But, as I heard more than enough things to interest me, I decided to check it out for myself. For the record, this was my first exposure to the story o Les Miserables. I have not (yet) read the book, watched a previous adaptation or a show of the musical. And watching this movie from that perspective, I can only say it was amazing! Touching, inspiring and amazing. What an inspiring story, what touching acting and singing performances and what an amazing movi overall!
The story starts as angry and bitter convict '24601' Jean Valjean is released from prison after 19 years. As everyone turns away from him, he sees no other option than to keep himself alive stealing again, until a kind bishop offers him shelter and teaches him the meaning of forgiveness. This leads to Valjean starting a different life and six years later we find him a wealthy factory owner and mayor. In this position he is able to be good to many poor in his town, but his old life is still haunting him when former prison guard Javert becomes a police inspector in Valjean's town.
Watching the movie, I fell in love with this story. It's no wonder this is a classic, this story which encompasses so many themes: justice and grace, villainy and heroism, familial and romantic love. This is a story to set you thinking for days and to give you new insights. It is also a sad story, but when I went home from the cinema I said to the friend I was with: 'I've never seen a movie in which so many of the characters die and which is still hopeful and uplifting.' I think that says it all, this movie gives us an outlook beyond everyday earthly life, a prospect of a time and place when there will be no more death, poverty and injustice, but only joy. Whát a message to be displayed in a secular movie in 2013!
I've read many reviews and commentaries about this movie and the singing of the actors was often a topic o criticism. While it is true that the music of this movie might not be music you would listen to on a cd, for the purpose of telling the story and depicting the emotions of the characters, it was just perfect! All the songs were very raw and emotional, with as (obvious?) highlight the heart-breaking rendition of 'I dreamed a dream' by Anne Hathaway and the very powerful portrayal of Valjean by Hugh Jackman. The rest of the cast was also more than fine with all the actors truly embodying their role
Not only the songs o Les Miserables re raw, so is the cinematography of this movie. Dirt and worn-out clothing emphasize the desperation of the poor, the barricade build of furniture the passion, but also th naivety of the revolutionary students. Some scenes were hard to watch because of their sheer sadness or violence, but in my opinion were mostly instrumental to bring across the message of the story. Contrasts between colors and grey hues play an important role in telling the story. I loved how interconnected everything was and how close this made you feel to the narrative o Les Miserables
In summary, I absolutely recommend this movie to everyone in love of a powerful story. It might not be a happy movie to watch, still you will leave th theater eeling inspired and hopeful.
What to know: here are at least two scenes showing inappropriately corset-clothed women working at their 'trade'. Women are 'fondled' and we experience a prostitute's first costumer (her expression of pain is focused upon). Sexual activity is referenced upon in song lyrics. Multiple people are killed by gunfire including one young boy and later seen lying in their own blood. There are numerous instances of common profanities and some abuse of God's name. The film is rated PG13.
This review was written for the Period Drama Challenge at Old-Fashioned Charm
