Review of Les Misérables (2012) by Jason R — 10 Sep 2013

The talent of the actors and the ambitious production set a grandiose stage to work from. Each member of the cast gives what can only be described as the performance of a lifetime; crushing note after note of song in scene after scene. The drama is clearly meant to play itself out through song, as several elements move very quickly but rely on the power of the actors to drive home the impact of the intent.

The strongest part of this film is the way it reminds its audience of the power of the human spirit, and of how, even with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, people can overcome and be victorious. And at its core, this is where it is most virutous, and likely to sway the undecided viewer on how to perceive it.

Hugh Jackman's ability as an actor goes without saying, but showing his abilities beyond simple screen presence is something this film does wonderfully. He acts, he sings, he dances; it is improbable to think how one man does all those elements so well, but he does.

On a personal note, for me musicals are a tricky proposition. I do not like very many, and in this particular case I felt like an occasional break from singing might have added to the quality of the film and made the drama more real to me. But that is not to diminish anything about it, nor to call its quality into question. This is a great film, just not my precise cup of tea.