Les Misérables
English (A) ¬¬¬¬
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe
Based on the Victor Hugo book which was turned into a successful West End musical, Les Misérables is a treat not only for the ears but for the eyes as well.
The movie is set in the backdrop of the French Revolution and it does justice to the genre as all the characters sing their dialogues with absolute passion, transporting you into their world through music. The sets, make-up and costumes are also brilliant.
Hugh Jackman steals the show with his powerful performance as Jean Valjean. A prisoner of 19 years for the 'crime' of stealing a loaf of bread, he breaks his parole. He does good to a dying factory worker (Anne Hathaway) by agreeing to take care of her daughter Cosette. This move changes his life for the better but he is chased by Javert (Russell Crowe), a policeman who wants the better of Valjean.
The film uses extreme close-up shots of actors during heavy scenes, which renders it more intense and believable. Hugh Jackman is the more powerful singer, although Russel Crowe is the better one. Anne Hathaway does more than justice to her small role and her rendition of 'I dreamed a dream' is bound to move the toughest of hearts.
Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter add a tinge of comedy to the film with their role as the couple who initially takes care of Cosette. Their characters are lively and bubbling with so much energy that just cannot be contained.
With eight well-deserved Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Hugh Jackman for Best Actor and Anne Hathaway for Best supporting actress, Les Misérables is a must-see if you are a music lover.