Many blockbuster movies came out over Christmas break. “Django Unchained” was a gore fest that gave the end of slavery the poetic justice that it deserved, ending in the melodramatic demise of most of the white characters. “The Hobbit” brought back the excitement of the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and added the quirky yet likable Bilbo Baggins. Among the many spectacular movies that came out, the one that made the most lasting impression was the musical “Les Miserables”.
Most critics complain that the movie is far too long at two and a half hours. Yes, it is a long movie, but the book is even longer. Adapting a 1,500-page novel into a two act musical and then making it into a film is rather impressive, considering the large number of important characters and intersecting plot lines.
The story follows the former convict Jean Valjean as he is pursued by policeman Javert during the riots of 1860’s Paris, the occupation movement of the day. The story is called “the miserable” for a good reason. Every character is driven by desperation and has to fight for their place in the world.
Fans of the Broadway musical will be blown away by the actors’ performances.
Ann Hathaway justly received an Oscar nomination for her heartbreaking performance as the factory worker turned prostitute Fantine. Her song “I Dreamed a Dream” took place in one close shot of Hathaway’s gaunt shaved head. The shot was a gamble, but Hathaway pulled it off and her character’s sad desperation will linger long after the closing credits.
Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were the comic relief as the odd couple the Thenardiers. They were funny and unmistakably odd, as both actors are known to be, and put enough depth into their characters to show that some people will do anything to get ahead or make an extra buck, even if it means walking in the sewer or crashing the wedding of the girl they once sold to a rich stranger.
The movie had all the elements audiences would expect from a period piece. The costumes and set designs are remarkable. Watching the movie made it feel like I was transported to 19th century Paris where the policemen wore blue suits with tails and the Paris Hiltons and Kim Kardashians of the day wore bonnets and carried parasols.
The singing may take some getting used to for some people. One local film critic joked that it should have had subtitles but for the most part the songs are easy to understand and all the actors have amazing voices. The director had the actors sing their lines on screen, instead of lip-syncing like in most movie musicals, and it makes the performances feel authentic as the actors strain to have their voice heard.
Sitting through “Le Mis” feels like an emotional marathon. The themes of social and economic inequality, revenge and forgiveness are too apparent to ignore and will be sure to generate discussion. If you’re looking for a movie with top-notch acting or with social commentary, “Les Miserables” will not disappoint.
