Les Miserables (2012) – Encore Review 2

“…then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free.” – Enjolras

Number of Times Seen – 5 (15 Jan 2013, Mid-Feb 2013, 23 Oct 2013 and 2 Oct 2014 and 22 Nov 2016)

Link to original review – Here and Here

Brief Synopsis – After serving nearly twenty years in prison for a petty crime, a man decides to change his ways and become an honest man.

My Take on it – IMHO, this is one of the best adaptations of a stage musical to screen.

The music is superb and each of the songs are beautiful in both words and in melody.

The story is extremely moving and emotional on so many levels.

The cast chosen for this adaptation is spectacular and each of the 7 main characters were perfectly cast.

Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Sascha Baron Cohen, Helena Bodham Carter, Amanda Seyfield and Eddie Reydmane all are able to embody their character’s characteristics while still giving them their own unique interpreatations.

The themes and messages of this story are so universal and timeless.

Hope, Love, Forgiveness, Trust and of course Freedom are ideas that are embedded deeply in this film’s soul and it reverberates throughout.

This past week, my wife and I had the pleasure of seeing a professional stage production of this play and as much as I love seeing it on the stage, the film version was able to do so much more with it despite not being live.

IMHO, this is by far the best film of 2012 and it’s unfortunate that the Academy didnt agree with me on this one. ;(

Bottom Line – One of my favorite musicals because the music is superb and the story is extremely moving and emotional. This rendition is spectacular with the entire cast doing a superb job. Jackman, Crowe, Hathaway, Baron Cohen, Redmayne, Seyfield and Bodham Carter each bring the characters to life in their own unique ways. Amazing messages about hope, love, forgiveness, trust and of course freedom ring true throughout.  By far, the best film of 2012.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia –  Fantine’s assault by a rejected customer is based on an actual incident from Victor Hugo’s life that resulted in Fantine’s creation: he was on his way to his editor’s office when he encountered a young man harassing a prostitute. When she rejected his advances, he shoved a handful of snow down her dress and shoved her to the ground. When she defended herself with her fists, he immediately called the police to arrest his “assailant”. Hugo was a minor celebrity at the time and spoke up on the woman’s behalf when the police arrived and was able to have her set free. Hugo said he was horrified by the unfairness of the woman’s situation and began to imagine that she might have children depending on her, and thus Fantine appeared in his mind.  (From IMDB)

Rating – Oscar Worthy (no change from original review)

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