The fact that “Les Miserables” translates to “the miserable ones” is pretty much a dead giveaway that this movie is anything but cheerful.
Luckily, that is the only off-putting quality to be found, as “Les Mis”’s star-studded cast, stellar musical numbers and Golden Globe reputation has skyrocketed this movie to the top of everyone’s must-see list for the holiday and award show season.
“Les Miserables” was first a French historical novel written by playwright and politician Victor Hugo, and published in 1862. It was primarily written as a humanitarian piece that took place in 19th century France, and revolved around hope and compassion for others, even when all seems lost. It then premiered as a Broadway musical on March 12, 1987.
In the film, directed by Tom Hooper, convict Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is being hunted by the vindictive officer Javert (Russell Crowe) as Valjean has broken his parole. Valjean makes a solemn vow to be an honest man and to take care of Cosette — played as a young girl by Isabelle Allen and as an adult by Amanda Seyfried, the daughter of Fantine, a factory worker turned prostitute (Anne Hathaway).
Since its Christmas Day 2012 release, “Les Mis” has won several awards, including three Golden Globes for Best Picture for Musical or Comedy, Best Actor for Jackman and Best Supporting Actress for Hathaway.
The cast was assembled together meticulously and the vocals were nothing short of heavenly, as they embodied the absolute essence of power and passion. Yet, despite the intensity, every song sounded so smooth, like they were wrapped in velvet.
All performances were beautifully poignant, but no one will shatter hearts quite like Hathaway as Fantine. Although the scene is not long, her intense performance in the iconic number “I Dreamed a Dream” has branded itself in my mind. Never have I felt so in tune and so full of compassion, just by staring at a screen. Then, once I was finally able to regain composure, I realized I wasn’t alone; the theater was filled with quiet sniffles and tears.
Jackman as Jean Valjean was absolutely a force to be reckoned with as well. Normally, many audiences have associated him with his recurring role as Wolverine in the “X-Men” series. But, he has some serious vocal abilities. It’s clear that Jackman went through intense preparation for the role, as he often emulated Colm Wilkinson, the original Valjean of the Broadway production.
In contrast to the overall tone, there was never a dull moment when Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter lit up the screens together as the greedy, flashy innkeepers, the Thenardiers. Cohen’s song “Master of the House” was definitely refreshing as necessary comic relief. The witty, vulgar interactions between the two actors were absolutely effortless. The portrayals of their characters are also familiar as they echo cruel, comedic takes on Mrs. Lovett and Pirelli from “Sweeney Todd.”
This film also showcases several young actors and actresses, with the majority of them making their film debut. Isabelle Allen’s face has been plastered all over the film’s posters. At last, Hollywood has found the angelic face the cinema has yearned for. Allen, making her film debut as young Cosette, gives us a heart-melting performance, when she sings “Castle on a Cloud”, wishing for a better life away from the clutches of the Thenardiers.
Samantha Barks, the stunning starlet who won the Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival for her role as Eponine. Other than Hathaway’s performance, Barks has some magic of her own, as she pierces viewer’s hearts during another iconic number, “On my Own.” Eponine longs for love, as she is caught in a love triangle with the young man she desires and the girl he falls in love with at first sight.
Hailing from the United Kingdom, 9-year-old Daniel Huttlestone steps away from his Broadway role as Gavroche in order to play him in the movie. This pint-sized soldier with the personality of a sparkplug is sure to raise a smile — and maybe a few eyebrows — for all of that spunk.
Definitely keep an eye on this fresh new talent; it is safe to say they all have a promising future ahead of them in film.
If you are a lover of musicals, admire a great acting performance, or you are merely looking for a movie that will bring out your emotions like no other, look no further than “Les Miserables.” This movie has drawn in the masses, but when the masses leave the theater, they come away with more than smiles, tears and half-eaten bags of popcorn. Audiences leave their seats with the will to dream big and to love with every fiber of their being.
