Review of Les Misérables (2012) by Carson H — 15 Sep 2016

This is a good movie for The Year of Mercy, which is what Pope Francis declared this year. This is a good, but not perfect, adaptation of the stage musical. The stage version is better. Overall, it is a moving and powerful musical about the theme of mercy in an often cruel world.

Sadly, Russell Crowe is not the greatest singer in the world. He plays Javert who doesn't understand the role of mercy. Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean does when a bishop is merciful to him for stealing some of his precious silver.

Of course this changes his life and makes him become a better person and a merciful person. The film offers great performances by Jackson and Anne Hathaway (who won an Oscar) for her role of Fantine whose life goes to the bottom of the pit until Valjean shows mercy upon her.

Also, has good supporting work by Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Sasha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter. And, of course, it has great music.