Movie Review; Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Has there ever been a story so aptly named? How can a story with such an uplifting ending drag you through such inhumanity? Victor Hugo is like the drill sergeant who has to break you down in order to build you back up. This story has been done so well, so many times. And yet, this tops them all.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music is enthralling, the casting spot on and the sets take the viewer back to 19^th century France.

Jean Valjean is played by Hugh Jackman (Van Helsing, X-Men) and displays a talent for musicals that will surprise you.

            Russell Crowe (Master and Commander, Gladiator) plays the troubled and unbending Javert. I had no idea he could carry a tune. Crowe is not a great voice but he carries a tune nicely and delivers the darkness necessary to the film.

 Anne Hathaway is powerful and comes fully into her own as an actress with her portrayal as Cosette’s mother. Forced by poverty and the need to provide for her child she literally sells parts of her body and is forced into the degredation of prostitutution. All the evils of the human condition culminates in her character. But the evil is external to herself and particular to women. She remains an innocent whose life is forfeit because she cannot adapt nor accept the degredation of life on the street.

A host of young and talented actors do honor to their roles.

The story contrasts the harsh inflexibility of the state with the concept of redemption that is central to the Christian story. In an age of using Christian symbols to creep movie goers out in the horror genre, it is nice to see performances that emphasize the forgiveness and tenderness that is required of all that subscribe to the teachings of Christ.

Just remember, it is like seeing Titanic. You know how the story ends but you have to see it anyway. Four out of 5 palmettos (It is a little long).

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