Les Miserables is the first movie I watched in theaters this 2013. Being one of the most anticipated films of 2013, I watched it with too much expectations knowing that the director is Tom Hooper, who also directed "The King's Speech".
The movie is based on the musical which in turn is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. Yes, that French novelist whose works will bore you first before you get to the exciting parts (as I have experienced when I read his "Notredame de Paris").
Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) served his 19-year sentence for stealing a piece of bread for his sister's son. He found redemption and acceptance from a bishop who saved him. Years later, a changed Valjean becomes mayor of a town and owner of a factory which employs Fantine (Anne Hathaway). He is well-loved by the townspeople for his generous heart.
One day Javert (Russel Crowe), Valjean's prison guard, appears and threatens Valjean's secured position. When Valjean learns of a man who is arrested in his place and troubled by his conscience, admitted his identity. He promises the dying Fantine that he will search for her daughter Cosette and will be like a father to her, a promise which he was able to keep.
Years later, Cosette, now a grown lady, falls in love with a student rebel named Marius. Javert and Valjean's paths would cross again in a dramatic conflict, where each stands by his own ideals. The ending was a tearful farewell between Cosette and Valjean, with Valjean being welcomed to the other side by the rebel friends of Marius who were killed.
Just why did this film cause too much hype?
First, famous actors were cast in this film and it has come to surprise many a people that they ARE able to sing wonderfully. (Honestly though, my poor ears could not stand Russel Crowe's monotonous voice in some scenes and I couldn't help but wonder why he was cast there in the first place. He's a wonderful actor, especially in Gladiator, but this film seems to cause his popularity to drop.)
Second, the story's main theme of moral philosophy continues to be relevant these days, especially with the global economic crisis we are all facing. Not to mention the erratic justice system and lack of sympathy towards the poor.
Third, the production! Being a sucker for period movies for the effort needed to replicate bygone eras, I always am in awe of the how movies would design the places to be used.
Fourth, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried are also part of the cast. Now who wouldn't want to watch this??? And I came to see and know about Samantha Banks who played Eponine in this movie. And she did great.
Fifth, Anne Hathways' epic portrayal of the miserable Fantine. Who wouldn't be touched and whose heart will not cry out seeing her sing "I Dreamed a Dream" with so much feeling you can actually feel the pains Fantine is going through.
The movie is based on the musical which in turn is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. Yes, that French novelist whose works will bore you first before you get to the exciting parts (as I have experienced when I read his "Notredame de Paris").
Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) served his 19-year sentence for stealing a piece of bread for his sister's son. He found redemption and acceptance from a bishop who saved him. Years later, a changed Valjean becomes mayor of a town and owner of a factory which employs Fantine (Anne Hathaway). He is well-loved by the townspeople for his generous heart.
One day Javert (Russel Crowe), Valjean's prison guard, appears and threatens Valjean's secured position. When Valjean learns of a man who is arrested in his place and troubled by his conscience, admitted his identity. He promises the dying Fantine that he will search for her daughter Cosette and will be like a father to her, a promise which he was able to keep.
Years later, Cosette, now a grown lady, falls in love with a student rebel named Marius. Javert and Valjean's paths would cross again in a dramatic conflict, where each stands by his own ideals. The ending was a tearful farewell between Cosette and Valjean, with Valjean being welcomed to the other side by the rebel friends of Marius who were killed.
Just why did this film cause too much hype?
First, famous actors were cast in this film and it has come to surprise many a people that they ARE able to sing wonderfully. (Honestly though, my poor ears could not stand Russel Crowe's monotonous voice in some scenes and I couldn't help but wonder why he was cast there in the first place. He's a wonderful actor, especially in Gladiator, but this film seems to cause his popularity to drop.)
Second, the story's main theme of moral philosophy continues to be relevant these days, especially with the global economic crisis we are all facing. Not to mention the erratic justice system and lack of sympathy towards the poor.
Third, the production! Being a sucker for period movies for the effort needed to replicate bygone eras, I always am in awe of the how movies would design the places to be used.
Fourth, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried are also part of the cast. Now who wouldn't want to watch this??? And I came to see and know about Samantha Banks who played Eponine in this movie. And she did great.
Fifth, Anne Hathways' epic portrayal of the miserable Fantine. Who wouldn't be touched and whose heart will not cry out seeing her sing "I Dreamed a Dream" with so much feeling you can actually feel the pains Fantine is going through.
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