Film Review -- Les Miserables

This grand adaptation of the hugely popular musical is directed by Tom Hooper and stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter. Set in the backdrop of the French Revolution, the film stars Jean Valjean (Jackman), who served nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister and her child, and when he is finally released, sets out to start a fresh new life. In order to evade his parole, he takes on several personas and disguises, including the mayor of a town. However, he is mercilessly hunted by policeman Javert (Crowe), who makes it his life goal to capture Valjean. While mayor, he befriends factory worker Fantine (Hathaway), who is fired after being accused of prostitution in order to support her child, Cosette, who lives with the evil Thenardiers (Baron Cohen and Bonham Carter). When Fantine dies of illness, Valjean promises to look after Cosette, whom he raises as his own, and she grows up to be a beautiful young woman sheltered from her father's past. She falls in love with young revolutionary Marius (Redmayne), and coupled with Javert's sudden reappearance, the discreet life Valjean spent so long to create becomes jeopardized. The film is live and through-sung, which means that not only is the film practically all song and no dialogue, but that the actors sang all of their numbers live, as opposed to lip-synching to a pre-recorded track. These two factors make this film completely unique and different from any other 2012 offering. Much is impressive in the film, such as the set design, art direction, costumes, makeup, and, of course, the acting. Anne Hathaway's part is brief but very moving and powerful, highlighted by her emotional performance of I Dreamed a Dream, and the Supporting Actress Oscar is practically hers. Jackman also gives a lovely performance, but in terms of singing ability, the other actors fall short. The film will not appeal to everybody, and the two-and-a-half hour running time doesn't help. Overall, I enjoyed the film very much, but I think that the daring concept, though it works for a stage musical, didn't translate as well for a film. 

Should You See It: Yes
Grade: B