mummiez & daddiez magazine

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, the greatest novel
of all time! Set in the early 19th century, the story
Les Misérables followed the lives of many
characters, it focuses primarily on the ex-convict
Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption
having been released from prison after serving 19
years for stealing a loaf of bread. Valjean breaks
his parole and is pursued for years by the
relentless police Inspector Javert. The book
details the history of France in particular the 1832
rebellion in Paris and themes of love, romance,
struggle and justice run deep through the book.
Many of you may know Les Misérables as the
Broadway musical produced by Cameron
Mackintosh and directed by Trevor Nunn. It was
the first production of this musical in English. The
musical is a box office hit worldwide. I sat in the
Point theatre Dublin 20 years ago to watch it and I
have to say nothing I have attended since has
surpassed it. The story, the acting, the music and
the passion were amazing and uplifting. Broadway
musicals are not something I get to see very often,
both because they are expensive and I don’t live
on the doorstep of the West End! So twenty years
have passed and I have missed Les
Misérables and yearned to go back. Recently I
got the opportunity to take a night off from the kids
and head out with a friend to see the newly
released movie of Les Misérables the musical,
directed by Tom Hooper. Could it be as good, not
possible, there is no way I thought, but sure its
worth a look! Off I went with my friend, taking
some Ferrero Rocher with me, I thought I may as
well share the calories with her (both of us
breaking the New year’s diet resolution we
promised).
So the movie..could they really put the most
popular musical of all time on the big screen and
have the same effect? Star studded cast, Hugh
Jackman (Jean Valjean), Russell Crowe (Javert),
Anne Hathaway(Fantine), Amanda Seyfried
(Cosette), Sacha Baron Cohen (Thenardier) and
Les Miserables
the movie, unforgettable!
Helen Bonham Carter (Madame Thenardier). The
movie has been getting good reviews, critics are
suggesting that it may well get nominated for a
few Oscars and it recently won three golden globe
awards. The acting was superb, it had all the
passion of the broadway production and more,
because its big screen there is probably more of
an expectation for high quality acting. It is difficult
to achieve both high quality music/singing and
acting and especially by the same actors. I can’t
say that it was like the musical because of course,
a movie is completely different. It was though, one
of the best movies that I have seen in a long time,
I loved it! The actors delivered not only great
acting but fantastic singing, every conversation is
sung. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Javert and his
relentless pursuit of Jean Valjean is brilliant and
passionate. Jackman truly does ensure that we
feel Jean Valjean’s pain and redemption. The
close up camera work allowed us to see every
expression in detail. ‘Fantine and Cosette’, we felt
so sorry for them, we were heartbroken for them,
nearly in tears living it with them. Sacha Baron
Cohen is probably the last actor I would have
thought would be in Les Miserables. He did
though, provide light relief and humour in the role
of the Inn Keeper Thenardier. We laughed at his
antics and those of Madame Thenardier ( Helen
Bonham Carter) and so do the rest of the
audience.
All in all I have to say the movie is amazing, an
emotional rollercoaster, the audience feeling every
emotion, Valjean’s redemption and even the
passion of the 1832 rebellion. My friend said she
loved it and is going back for a second viewing
and I am definitely buying the DVD when its
released. If you get a chance do go see it, you
don’t need to have read the book or speak french,
just dig out some Ferrero Rocher and of course
buy some popcorn, be prepared for an emotional
evening though!
reviewed by Meg