Les Miserables Movie Review

Les Miserables, a film of emotion and song. Director Tom Hooper followed his award winning film The King’s Speech with an even more challenging and memorable film.

The film which is based on the classic musical brings a new take on its adaptation. It brings new ways to tell the story as well as bringing the songs to a new generation of viewers.

The film opens at sea and into the docks where prisoners pull boats for repair. Here, we get to see the start of Tom Hooper’s magic. Tom was able to mix emotions and songs together unlike anything ever done before in film musicals. And that is the reason this film has gotten tons of buzz.

One main thing that makes this film great is its cast. Hugh Jackman plays Jean Val Jean, the lead in the film. This is the first time Jackman sang on film. For fans who’ve only seen him in films will be amazed by his vocal talents. Jackman is a Broadway singer and he greatly uses that in this film. Anne Hathaway brings her vocal chops in a short supporting role capacity. But her performance is just amazing. Hathaway stole some parts of the film and making it about her. Her performance during I Dream a Dream is just emotional, touching and just leaves you in awe.

Russell Crowe brings his own take of Inspector Javert. At first you may feel a bit new at seeing Crowe sing. But as the film progresses, you will see how his voice fits to his character. And how he easily portrays Javert and bring him like never before to the big screen. Another actress pulling her own weight in the film is Samantha Barks who plays Eponine. Barks brings new life to the timeless song On My Own and makes it her own. During the scene, you can truly see the emotions Eponine is going through just by seeing Barks sing. Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne also did a great job on screen. The have the perfect chemistry for Cosette and Marius. Their love songs bring to light a hidden love that some people can relate to.

And we get a memorable performance from Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the swindling, crafty and at time evil Thénardiers. The performance t=during the song Master of the House is just fun and crafty. The two really delved into the characters and brought two of the film’s scheming villains.

Les Miserables is a film that will be liked by a new generation of viewers that have yet to fully experience musicals. One thing great about the film is that the singing is live. What you see in the film is genuine acting and singing. This method by Hooper brings more artistic and emotional ammo to the film which gave it more kick. The film brings timeless songs like One Day More, Do You Hear the People Sing and On My Own to a time where music is more on techno and hip hop.

Les Miserables is a film worthy of multiple views. And it is a guarantee that tears will flow from your eyes. It is more than just a musical. It is a classic brought to life for a new generation. I highly recommend this film. I give it 9 out of 10.