Les Miserables Review

Let me tell you first, I am not a fan of musical movie. I watched West Side Story once, and after 10 minutes I decided to turn off my TV because I couldn’t find at least one reason why I  should keep watching. And few months ago I thought I should give musical a try by watching My Fair Lady. My admiration of Audrey Hepburn wasn’t enough to make me watching without skipping all the singing parts. But I was curious about Les Miserable. The cast list was full of amazing actors and actresses, and the trailer looked pretty convincing. So, I give it a chance.

The movie told a story of four main characters, Jean Val Jean (Hugh Jackman), Fantine (Anne Hathaway), Javert (Russel Crowe), and Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). Jean Val Jean was a convict who finally get his parole after 19 years in prison. But being free wasn’t as sweet as it sounded. At that time when you’re ex-prisoner, there’s nothing more for you in society. Feeling desperate and resentful, Jean Val Jean then stole from a generous priest. Stunned by priest’s kindness for denying his crime in front of law officers, Jean Val Jean sworn to be a good person since that day.

I’ve seen a lot of movies played by Hugh Jackman. He’s one of my fave actor. He’s sexy, funny, loyal, and good actor, what’s not to like? I can tell you that this is the most difficult character he’s ever played. First point, he had to sing a lot of song’s line. Second, he’s played as a man who’s been suffer for most of his life because his own action and would do anything to redeem it. That’s a lot of work. And Hugh Jackman let him self to be unattractive for the first time in screen.  With untidy beard, gaunt cheek, old look, yeah that’s really a sacrifice.

Fantine represented a portrait of France’s –working-class at that time. She was a single mother who had several bad luck in her life. Homeless, jobless, yet still had to provide a living for her daughter, Fantine then sold what’s left, her self. She was seriously at the bottom of her life. When she sang ‘I Dream A Dream’, it broke me into tears. She made me feel her pain, her despair, her anger. Life has robbed everything she has. So, what’s the point of life? Even the last thing human should have, dignity, it’s also gone. She nails it! I can’t wait to see Anna Hathaway having her first speech at Oscar podium. This scene -no doubt- has reserved a winning spot for her at Oscar 2013.

Now, you might be wondering when you see Russel Crowe’s name at the poster. Russel Crowe? Singing? Yeap. He sang too guys. In fact he formed a rock band in Australia where he became a lead singer. I must say, he is not a bad singer. Russel Crowe played as Javert, a law officer who really really strict about rule. For Javert, there’s just a right or wrong. Nothing in between, no matter what the reason behind. Javert spent most of his time to chase Jan Val Jean for breaking his parole.

I think the most interesting part of this movie was you couldn’t find someone who truly innocent and someone who really did something terrible so you hoped he was killed as soon as possible. It’s all about perspective. Jean Val Jean had done several things he wasn’t proud of. But, was it meant that he didn’t deserve a chance to be good person? And if we looked at Javert, we couldn’t categorize him as a villain. He was just doing his job.

I’d like to give a praise for the a girl who played a part as young Cosette, Isabelle Allen. Allen only 10 and already make friends with a bunch of A-list Hollywood celebrities. Way to go girl! Honestly, Allen done better job than Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried got a role as older Cosette, but she acted just okay. Nothing more.

And that Marius guy (played by Eddie Redmayne), yeah he has that classic look. That’s maybe the reason why they let him played. Because he couldn’t leave impression in my mind.

In conclusion, Les Miserable has taken my heart away. I enjoyed every part and even every songs of this movie. You guys have to watch this movie. For a movie who won and will win a lot awards, you definitely can’t miss this.

(Every song at this movie was recorded live. It really help the actors and actresses to catch the emotion and atmosphere).  

FYI, Anne Hathaway already won Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actress. And Hugh Jackman did win too, as Best Actor in Motion Picture (Musical/Drama). It’s kinda hint that they we will triumph in Oscar, next Feb 24th *fingers cross*.