Les Misérables

The newest re-creation of “Les Misérables” was directed by Tom Hooper. The screenplay was written by William Nicholson, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer. The stage musical was written by Boublil and Schönberg. These were written based on the book by Victor Hugo. This movie stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried and several others.

I saw a high school musical production of “Les Misérables” about eight years ago. This was the first time I saw the story. I later saw a different movie version in my high school French class. Therefore, I was pretty familiar with the story when I saw this film. I was very happy with this movie and the actors. Rotten Tomatoes has the film at a 70 percent fresh rating, but I think it was better than that.

The film is about a man named Jean Valjean (Jackman), who stole some bread for his sister’s child. Many years later, he is released from prison and starts a new life, thanks to some kindness and mercy. However, he must spend his life running away from Inspector Javert. He raises the daughter of a woman he feels responsible for to give her a better life, which he tries to provide for many others. The way of life for the low class French society leads to a rebellion.

The acting in the movie was very good. Jackman was great as the lead, and that’s a hard task when playing a character as beloved as Jean Valjean. However, Hathaway stole the show as people say. Even though her character wasn’t on screen for most of the movie, her presence was still felt. During her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream,” I was blown away. I could really feel her anguish from her horrible life. I think Seyfried did a very respectable job and sang quite well. On the other hand, Crowe’s singing was not that great. I was disappointed with his portrayal of Javert.

The costumes and sets were amazing. The way Valjean was transformed throughout the movie was fantastic. The story takes place over many years requiring the difference of appearance during the character’s life. The settings were instrumental in showing the terrible living conditions of the lower class to show the necessity of a rebellion.

The music was great of course. That doesn’t change in a musical of this magnitude. I thought it was interesting that a new song was created and added to the movie. It was very good and is nominated for an Oscar. To get the nomination, the film needed an original song. I’m still not sure if I like that a new song was put in a story that has been around for a long time. I am happy that the actors sang live on stage for the movie though. It makes the songs seem more real and true.

The only other movie I’ve seen by Hooper is “The King’s Speech.” Other movies of Jackman I’ve seen are the “X-Men” movies, “Australia,” “Happy Feet,” “The Prestige” and “Kate & Leopold.” I’ve also seen Crowe in “State of Play.” Other films with Hathaway I’ve seen include “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Rio,” “Love and Other Drugs,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Bride Wars,” “Becoming Jane,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Ella Enchanted” and the “Princess Diaries” movies. I’ve seen Seyfried in “Letters to Juliet,” “Dear John,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Veronica Mars,” “Wildfire” and “Mean Girls.”