Saturday, April 6, 2013

Les Miserables


   The other night, my son and I sat down to watch Les Miserables. He actually said that he wasn't going to watch it but would stick around for a bit. He also stated, something to the effect, that he couldn't stomach a whole opera.

   There are many stories intertwined that meld perfectly in this beautiful and majestic adaptation of the book written by Victor Hugo (also known for The Hunchback of Notre Dame).

   It begins with the peasant Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman, totally unrecognizable, at first) - a man unjustly imprisoned, and all the other prisoners singing "Look Down" as they drag one of the French ships into its hold while being watched by the prison guards.

   Valjean, upon his release into parole is baffled by destiny, and hounded by his nemesis, the magnificently realized, police detective Javert (Russell Crowe).
                       
   Trying to forget his past and live an honest life, escaped convict Jean Valjean risks his freedom to take care of a young girl whose mother has died during a period of political unrest in Paris.

   Anne Hathaway plays the young girl's mother, Fantine. In a desperate attempt to support her daughter, she sells multiple things (hair, and teeth) and eventually becomes a prostitute. Anne Hathaway gives one of the most amazing performances, I have ever seen portrayed, all the while belting out "I Dreamed a Dream".

   This movie commandeers everything of 1815, France, the grit, the political turmoil, the strength in the hearts and minds of the people, and the fierce love of it's characters. The wonderful cast includes
Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen. (The last two actors will have you singing "Master of the House" for the next few days).

   The musical score is magnificent, and captures you from the minute it begins until the credits roll.

   My son, sat through the whole movie and has since downloaded many of the songs. He has just made a special request and asked me to buy the movie.

Yes, it is that good!!!!!

 

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