Les Misérables (2012)

Les Misérables drops the audience into the musical world of 19th century France and tells the dramatic story of how and why an ex-prisoner, Jean Valijean (Hugh Jackman), agrees to take care of factory workers daughter despite being hunted by an unrelenting policeman, Javert (Russell Crowe), after breaking his parole.

Overall Review Score

9 out of 10

Review

Les Misérables is a 151-minute British musical drama, based on both the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo and the musical play of the same name by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. While the film literally translates into ‘The Miserables’ it is anything but, in minutes of the film starting the audience is engulfed in a mental and physical game of cat and mouse between the focused, determined and ruthless Police Inspector Javert and a convict / ex-convict Jean Valijean, who wants to make a better life and do the right thing. While these two polar-opposite and very strong characters give the audience something to debate and relate to, the films all-star cast, including Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne and Russell Crowe, makes this film something worth watching. They effortlessly feed off each other to create a natural tension that consumes the audience, to the point that the gentle breathing of the audience is the only sound that will permeate this film during its dramatic action sequences. While the musical numbers, including 'I dreamed a dream' and 'do you hear the people sing', are delivered with gusto that suggests the cast are enjoying themselves as much as the audience are. Overall, Les Misérables is visually stunning, character rich film that understands modern audiences and delivers the films many twists and turns with maximum effect. It is ultimately a musical drama that is will stay with the audience, due to the lyrical masterpieces and superb acting, long after the credits have rolled.

Reviewer 1's score & comments:

Score: 9 out of 10

Comments:

First of all let me say Tom Hooper’s cinematography, costume and designs for this film are nothing short of magnificent, they really create an immersive atmosphere that captures the audience's attention. Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway all give brilliant performances, coupled by the cat and mouse game played out between Valjean (Jackman) and Javert (Crowe) results in a truly mesmerizing experience. This resulted in this being a really interesting and enjoyable film to watch that it worthy of praise.

Reviewer 2's score & comments:

Score: 9 out of 10

Comments:

Les Misérables is a musical drama that none other. It easily blends multiple different story arcs, including the typical ‘criminal isn’t want they seem’ clichés, a battle for justice and a slightly awkward coming of age love story between the factory workers daughter and a French revolutionary, together to create a fully immersive storyline. The acting, especially by Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman, is intoxicating and adds tension and comedic relief to this immensely entertaining, and sometimes dark, drama. Overall, Les Misérables is a musical drama worth watching, the Director (Tom Hooper) clearly had a dream about producing an epic retelling of this much loved story and succeeded.

#musical #drama #eddieredmayne #hughjackman #russellcrowe