Film review – Les Misérables
Les Misérables, 2012
Starring
Hugh Jackman – Jean Valjean
Russell Crowe – Javert
Anne Hathaway – Fantine
Amanda Seyfried – Cosette
Helena Bonham Carter – Madame Thénardier
Eddie Redmayne – Marius
Director – Tom Hooper
Based on the musical, Les Misérables follows the story of convict Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman, whose past crime continues to cause him trouble throughout his life. Valjean’s life changes when he agrees to look after a young factory workers child, Cosette, played by Amanda Seyfried, as he now has to protect not only his own life, but also Cosette’s. The musical also follows the French Revolution that was happening during the time that Les Misérables was set in 19th Century France. One of the reoccurring scenes throughout the musical is the barricade where a lot of the scenes that show the fighting from the battles in the revolution.
This film had a lot to live up to with comparisons from the brilliance of Les Misérables on the West End stage. Although, personally, the singing in this film rendition of Les Misérables does not compare to the stars of the West End, the director, Tom Hopper, has done an amazing job in capturing the same, deep emotions from the stage. Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe managed to show the emotions and connection between Jean Valjean and Javert excellently.
Overall, I would rate this film 7/10 and would definitely recommend watching this film if you are already a fan of the original West End Show.
