Amidst the revolution de France….

In a corner of the pre-revolutionary France, John Valjean, a prisoner sentenced to 19 years does the grueling work for his life. Javert, his lifelong enemy, torches, and blames him with slings. Upon his release from the prison, he seeks shelter from a bishop named Digne. After eight years, Jhon Valjean becomes the Mayor of Montreuil. Ultimately, Javert comes as the city’s chief police officer.

Les Misérables

Fontaine, a young widower works in one of the city’s factories. She is fired as it is revealed that she has a legitimate daughter named Cossette. She lives with the malicious and wicked Thenardhler family. To make a living, Fontaine sells her hair and teeth and eventually gets caught by Javert. Meanwhile, Jhon Valjean rescues Cossette from the Thenardhlers by paying them the debts. Javert identifies Jhon Valjean as a culprit and starts to go after him. John Valjean and Cossette flee in search of dying Fontaine.

There he promises to take care of Cossette as long as he can.
Many years later, Jhon Valjean becomes a servant for the poor and lives with Cossette. Cossette falls in love with Marius Pontmercy, a young rebellion fighter. The French Revolution begins and Marius and his friends embark on the war against the monarch. The rebellion gets unsuccessful and Marius gets badly wounded. Knowing that he has a heart for Cossette, Jhon Valjean comes and rescues Marius.

After the war, Marius marries Cossette. Jhon Valjean leaves the couple as should not interfere with their lives. Marius and Cossette find the dying Valjean at the convent praying to the god. He confesses his past story to the couple and dies serenely while being watched by Fontaine. This is what happens in the first part in Les Misérables

Poetically created Opera…

Set in monarch-ruled France, at the benchmark of the industrial revolution, the story unfolds while paying respect for that historical significance. Filmed in both England and France, locations are almost true to life. For example, at the beginning, where Jhon Valjean is imprisoned, the Bagne of Toulan is designed amazingly. Though the scene lasts only a couple of minutes, the director has given much of his attention to that scene.

Les Misérables

The idyllic and average lives of the peasants are created with attention to detail. Their costumes and facials are life-like. The aristocratic looks and formations remembers us of the 250-year-old France and its people. The sailing ship and age-old carriages are simply fascinating.

The pinnacle of sights and settings can be observed in the rebellion against the monarch. The ramshackle buildings, damaged carriages, and whirlwind roads add to this movie the extra X-factor. A historical period movie requires exact sets and locations which there were centuries ago. In that case, Les Misérables is truly a winner.

Music — It’s what’s beats inside…

Les Misérables contains nearly three-hour orchestra. Nor a single word or a phrase is uttered from the cast. From the moment it begins, till the curtain closes itself, it is entirely an Opera. Scores are just lovely. Composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg and sung by all the cast, they are humorous yet heart-melting at the same time. Music makes its mark in the scene before the rebellion begins when they sing “When the beatings of your heart…” score.

Les Misérables

Translating a novel into a musical is a great challenge. The director, composer, and scriptwriter have to work collaboratively to get the results. The dialogues have to match the score and must be sung to the tune. All the actors have done a marvelous job. Especially Redmayne and Jackman have proved their singing skills. Hard work with the composer and with the director, is a fresh and whole new experience to the viewer as well. For someone who watched the stage drama and the previous productions early, this movie brings an all-new definition.

A brilliant display of experience and skills…

Hugh Jackman, Anna Heathway, and Eddie Redmayne. Giants in the modern-day cinema with plenty of experience and accolades behind them. Tom Hooper has selected the best in the category to deliver an unforgettable musical blockbuster in Les Misérables. Of course, they live up to their name. Let’s see how.

Jhon Valjean is the protagonist played by the sublime Hugh Jackman. The former wolverine star is relatively new to period movies but proves versatility with an admirable performance as Jhon Valjean. His transformation from a moaning prisoner to a well-respected mayor is truly remarkable. Valjean depicts a strong and good-hearted person who stands for justice and truth. From rescuing Cossette to Marius he shows his gut and kindness throughout the movie. Jackman becomes the Valjean and is rewarded with a Golden Globe Award for the first time.

Anne Hathaway steals the show with her memorable performance as Fontaine. Though we see her only in the first segment, it is enough to make a lasting impact. Fontaine is a difficult yet ill-treated young woman who lives for the sake of her child. She weeps and growls for her life and finally dies in the end. No one can be Fontaine like Anne can. Her bewitching part as a hairless woman shows us the sacrifice and talent inside her. No wonder she received an Academy Award for her role in the support.

Surrounded by a memorable cast…

One of the best things about Les Misérables is that it includes a supporting cast that stands above the rest. It begins with charismatic Eddie Redmayne as Marius. He has got that boyish look with the trendsetting attitude. Able to play the lover as well as the fighter.

Amanda Seyfried as Cossette is a top choice. Gifted with a beautiful voice and alluring appearance, she pairs hand to hand with the young Marius.
Russell Crowe is the villain. Javert. Apart from singing, he does a good job as a ruthless and duty-oriented police officer. Singing as an officer is not that matching but according to the movie’s constitution, he has to obey.
Eponine seeks the love of her life but fails. Samantha Banks plays the part perfectly though her appearance is very limited.

Les Misérables

Nothing is complete without mentioning two buddies. Younger Cossette and Gavroche play their roles surprisingly well. They could demonstrate that cherubic behavior with childish innocence.

Love, Sacrifice, and the true Human spirit…

For many readers who have read Les Misérables countless times, this blockbuster is quite a treat. Performed by a talented and memorable cast, followed by a truly amazing score, it leaves the viewer both enchanted and enticed at the same time.

Jhon Valjean depicts a real man. Fearless and kind-hearted with a strong self-belief. He sacrifices everything for the well-being of other people. The true motivation for the men worldwide. He knows that love can overcome everything in life, and he respects that human attitude very much. He does what he pledges and dies as a hero for Cossette and her mother. Hugely inspiring and life-changing, Les Misérables is a universal and timeless musical adventure that can be enjoyed in years to come.

Les Misérables

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