Review of Les Misérables (2012) by Richey R — 16 Feb 2014

I've been a fan of plays and musicals for years. I have liked Les Miserables since I first saw the movie that starred Liam Neeson, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes. On My Own has been a favorite since I first heard it from Lea Salonga. When Susan Boyle sang I Dreamed a Dream on X-Factor, it made me want to see the musical.

So, when I saw the trailer for the 2012 Les Miserables movie/musical, I was all excited. In fact, I watched it on its opening day. If I were to describe it in two words, they'd have to be GRAND and POWERFUL. Excellent, award-winning performances from Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. I was amazed by the stellar cast's individual singing prowess. Cinematography, costumes and direction were all superb. The main selling points for me were the solo performances by Jean, Fantine, Eponine and Marius. But the part I loved the most was when Jean Valjean was dying and Fantine was fetching him. The movie was awfully long, but I don't think that's even a flaw.