Monday, January 7, 2013

Les Misérables


Movie: Les Misérables
Genre: musical drama
Synopsis: A cinematic version of the Broadway musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo, set in Paris in 19th century.  The movie opens with Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) gaining his parole after serving nineteen years of at hard labor – 5 for stealing bread (for his starving nephew) and 14 for trying to escape.  He is given his parole by the officer Javert (Russell Crowe).  The story follows Valjean as he makes a new life for himself under a new name – but is always haunted by Javert, who seems to surface every time he turns around.  Fantine (Anne Hathaway) works in a factory owned by Valjean. When her supervisor fires her, it results in her dying.  At her side when she dies, Valjean vows to take care of Fontain’s infant child, Cosette.  The story then skips ahead 15 years where Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) falls in love with Marius (Eddie Redmayne).  Things are complicated by Javert showing up, again, and Marius’ involvement in civil protests against the French government.  

My two cents: The movie was a bit long at 2hr 37 min.  I am a sucker for musicals and I loved this movie.  Russell Crowe is not much of a singer – but everyone else made up for it.  Hugh Jackman was great.  Anne Hathaway has my vote for an Oscar. She has at least two scenes that will absolutely rip your heart out.  Before her mother died, Cosette was watched by the Thenardiers -  who ran an inn.  The couple was played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter.  I really do not like Sacha Baron Cohen and do my best to not see his movies.  However, I have to admit that he and Helena Bonham Carter were absolutely brilliant in this movie.  They stole every scene they were in. 

The two things I would change are (1) make it a little shorter and (2) speak the dialog and leave the singing for the songs.  This is one of those musicals where everything is done in song.

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