*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Adapting a well-known musical into a successful feature film can be one of the hardest things to achieve. However, the director, Tom Hooper, manages to successfully achieve it. There have been many adaptations of the novel, Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, however, there hasn't been an adaptation of the musical (which is an adaptation of the novel). Most film adaptations of musicals have been successful (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Chicago, Moulin Rouge) so I can understand why Hooper wanted to create a film version of Les Miserables.
The story begins in 1815, when Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) has just been released from prison after he served 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. After Valjean is looked after by a Bishop, he renews himself and, eight years later, he is now the Major of Montreuil-sur-Mer. However, he is being pursued by Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) who is determined to put him back in prison, however, due to Valjean's new image, he fails to recognise that the prisoner he longs for is standing in front of him. This is where meet Fantine (Anne Hathaway), who is struggling after she loses her job when her co-workers accuse her of working as a prostitute. She needs money for her daughter, Cosette, who currently lives with an innkeeper (Sacha Baron Cohen) and his wife (Helena Bonham Carter). The only way she can get money is by selling her hair, a tooth and her body. Luckily, Valjean finds her and, due to her poor health, takes her to a hospital where she soon passes away. And to make things worse, Javert discovers Valjean's true identity and Valjean must spend the rest of his life, and the film, trying to escape him. He adopts Cosette and the film swiftly fast-forwards to 1833. Cosette is now an adult and wanting to become more independent, especially after she meets and falls in love with Marius (Eddie Redmayne). Unfortunately, their romance is complicated by several factors including: a city-wide uprising that has begun after the death of the King; Eponine (Samantha Barks) who is also in love with Marius and Valjean's own misgivings over losing Cosette to marriage.
Obviously, the film is called 'Les Miserables' which translate to English as 'The Wretched' so it's not going to be the happiest of films. This is set in France in the 19th century where people are struggling immensly with poverty and the majority of the main characters do die. I'd never seen the West End musical before seeing this when it was released in cinemas in 2012 so I had no idea if it was a good adaptation or not. What I can say is that the majority of performances are outstanding. The majority of the characters are played by some of Hollywood's best, including Hugh Jackman whose performance of Valjean is incredible. He is unrecognisable in the beginning due to the weight loss. Another character that went through a shocking transformation is Anne Hathaway who plays Fantine. Her performance was beautiful and it won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2013.
Vocals-wise, I would have to say that every actor manages to hold a note. I would have to say Hathaway and Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine, are the best, though. It's not surprising that Barks is the perfect choice for Eponine, she previously played the same character in the Queen's Theatre.
This may not be the most joyful film but, if you don't mind shedding a tear and are a fan of musicals, then I'd definitely recommend this film.
8/10
Obviously, the film is called 'Les Miserables' which translate to English as 'The Wretched' so it's not going to be the happiest of films. This is set in France in the 19th century where people are struggling immensly with poverty and the majority of the main characters do die. I'd never seen the West End musical before seeing this when it was released in cinemas in 2012 so I had no idea if it was a good adaptation or not. What I can say is that the majority of performances are outstanding. The majority of the characters are played by some of Hollywood's best, including Hugh Jackman whose performance of Valjean is incredible. He is unrecognisable in the beginning due to the weight loss. Another character that went through a shocking transformation is Anne Hathaway who plays Fantine. Her performance was beautiful and it won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2013.
Vocals-wise, I would have to say that every actor manages to hold a note. I would have to say Hathaway and Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine, are the best, though. It's not surprising that Barks is the perfect choice for Eponine, she previously played the same character in the Queen's Theatre.
This may not be the most joyful film but, if you don't mind shedding a tear and are a fan of musicals, then I'd definitely recommend this film.
8/10
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