Based on the musical of the same name which itself was based
on a French novel, Les Misérables is
a musical film Directed by Academy Award winning Director Tom Hooper. A large
ensemble cast star in a tale set over several decades during a period of
multiple French Revolutions. Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is released from
prison twenty years after stealing some bread. Placed on parole for the rest of
his life he eventually skips it and starts anew. Over the years he is
mercilessly chased by Prison Guard turned Police officer Javert (Russell
Crowe). Set against the backdrop of social inequity and extreme poverty the
plot intertwines a love story featuring idealistic reformist Marius (Eddie
Redmayne) and the illegitimate daughter of Prostitute Fantine (Anne Hathaway),
Cosette (Amanda Seyfried).
The mass excitement at the release of Les Misérables caused a huge traffic jam outside my local cinema
today on what is by far the busiest day I’ve seen in my four years using it.
The film has just been nominated for eight Oscars and nine Baftas and in my
opinion is in no way a perfect movie but deserves its plaudits. The film has an
intense beginning and a slight lull in the middle before ending on a huge and
powerful high which caused tears from many and in a first for me, the audience
burst into applause. That is something which rarely if ever happens in a UK
Cinema.
