REVIEW BY TOM WORFOLK
This show is the longest running musical show in modern history. It's a two and a half hour romp through the ups (who am I kidding) and downs of early 1800s Paris.
Written in 1862 by Victor Hugo the story examines the nature of law and grace. The novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love.
The film adaptation (lifted straight from the West End/Broadway show) follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), an ex-convict turned Mayor who promises to look after a dying prostitues (Anne Hathaway) illegitimate daughter, Cosette (Amanda Seigfried). Due to the fact that our "hero" skipped out on probation, Javert (our friendly police officer played by Russell Crowe) has made it his life's mission to track down and bring Valjean to justice. The story spans 17 years and is set in a world of political turmoil, which finally culminates in the June Rebellion of France.
The performances were excellent and strong. There were moments that made you forget that these people aren't professional singers but then there are moments that remind you they aren't. Watching Wolverine sing reminded me of watching Bond sing in Mama Mia but Jackman was slightly better to be fair.
One complaint a friend of mine had was that he thought Crowe was miscast as Javert as he should be more rugged and gruff. I don't necessarily agree with this but it does demonstrate well how individuals will relate and empathise with different characters in the story due to their different backgrounds and outlooks on life.
One thing is for sure though, when the cast start singing "do you hear the people sing" there won't be a person watching that doesn't feel the beauty of the song and the passion of the revolution that its meant to represent.
Overall it's an enjoyable experience and if you like watching musicals (and for some reason you haven't seen this at the west-end or Broadway) then you won't be disappointed with this one.
Nat's two cents worth
Les Mis is the first movie I have ever seen which I knew all the words before hand. I found the opening scene spectacular. I loved it. I also loved Russell Crowes portrayal of Javert. But what I found dissapointing was the hollywood shine. I felt that the movie didn't really portray the awful and "miserable" lives which I always imagined. It's all a bit too clean if you know what I mean. What the film did focus in on though was how small in scale the June Rebellion was and how tragic the whole affair was. I also felt Cosette's (Siegfried) voice could have been stronger (don't hate me :-() and Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter did what they do best, as the comic relief, as Thenardier and Madame Thenardier; although their part took me back to Sweeney Todd and half expected Jonny Depp to come round the corner at any moment!
Year: 2012
Classification: 12A
Duration: 158 minutes
More info at IMDB
This show is the longest running musical show in modern history. It's a two and a half hour romp through the ups (who am I kidding) and downs of early 1800s Paris. Written in 1862 by Victor Hugo the story examines the nature of law and grace. The novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love.
The film adaptation (lifted straight from the West End/Broadway show) follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), an ex-convict turned Mayor who promises to look after a dying prostitues (Anne Hathaway) illegitimate daughter, Cosette (Amanda Seigfried). Due to the fact that our "hero" skipped out on probation, Javert (our friendly police officer played by Russell Crowe) has made it his life's mission to track down and bring Valjean to justice. The story spans 17 years and is set in a world of political turmoil, which finally culminates in the June Rebellion of France.
The performances were excellent and strong. There were moments that made you forget that these people aren't professional singers but then there are moments that remind you they aren't. Watching Wolverine sing reminded me of watching Bond sing in Mama Mia but Jackman was slightly better to be fair.
One complaint a friend of mine had was that he thought Crowe was miscast as Javert as he should be more rugged and gruff. I don't necessarily agree with this but it does demonstrate well how individuals will relate and empathise with different characters in the story due to their different backgrounds and outlooks on life.
One thing is for sure though, when the cast start singing "do you hear the people sing" there won't be a person watching that doesn't feel the beauty of the song and the passion of the revolution that its meant to represent.
Overall it's an enjoyable experience and if you like watching musicals (and for some reason you haven't seen this at the west-end or Broadway) then you won't be disappointed with this one.
Nat's two cents worth
Les Mis is the first movie I have ever seen which I knew all the words before hand. I found the opening scene spectacular. I loved it. I also loved Russell Crowes portrayal of Javert. But what I found dissapointing was the hollywood shine. I felt that the movie didn't really portray the awful and "miserable" lives which I always imagined. It's all a bit too clean if you know what I mean. What the film did focus in on though was how small in scale the June Rebellion was and how tragic the whole affair was. I also felt Cosette's (Siegfried) voice could have been stronger (don't hate me :-() and Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter did what they do best, as the comic relief, as Thenardier and Madame Thenardier; although their part took me back to Sweeney Todd and half expected Jonny Depp to come round the corner at any moment!
Year: 2012
Classification: 12A
Duration: 158 minutes
More info at IMDB
