Les Miserables (1998)

3.5 stars out of 4

The Bottom Line:

This version of Les Miserables is well-acted with good production values and a fine sense of what to cut and what to keep from Hugos' mammoth novel; it's a worthy adaptation and a very good film. December 22, 2008

Screenplay butchery

This is a visually stunning movie but the screenplay did unpardonable things to the story. I can forgive rearranging things a bit to make it easier to film, but this changed fundamentals of the original moral message and of the basic natures of the characters.

Sadly, I don't think the Richard Jordan-Anthony Perkins version is available in its entirety. It looks campy, but the screenplay was far more faithful to the spirit of the novel. December 9, 2008

A Moving Masterpiece

I never cease to be touched by this film; it's one of the few movies I can call "powerful" without being overdramatic.

The story centers on Jean Valjean, a convict -- how his life was transformed by the action of a selfless clergyman, and how his own life transforms those around him. It is very much a story about hope, the rarity and value of selflessness and true love and how it transforms the soul more readily than punishment, and the salvation of the human condition.

The first act always makes me cry. It's one of the most powerful moments in a movie for me -- more of a spectacle than all the battle scenes ever filmed. When those police drag Jean back to the bishop and toss him down at his feet, and that precious man hands Jean the silver candlesticks, I always expect for that shocked feeling to be weaker. It never is.

Although the beginning of the movie is a jaw-dropper, the ending of the movie is just as striking and, in my opinion, the most beautiful portion... the image of the inspector are indelibly etched in my mind.

This movie is also quite lovely. The first parts of the movies are filmed in the gorgeous countryside, filled with lush vegetation and lovely old trees. When the movie changes to Paris, it seems less realistic and more like a series of sets... combined with the love story, it helps to set the movie a trifle off-balance. These are niggling concerns in the end. The theme, characterization, and plot ultimately emerges unscathed.

As powerful and wonderful as this film is, it should be watched after reading the book. It colors one's perception and fleshes out certain character behaviors. Certain things had to be cut to fit the running time, which I could understand (don't worry, this doesn't mean "plot holes"). I certainly don't think the theme suffers too much. Jean always acts selflessly -- makes mistakes through his fear, yes, but in the end always acts on what he knows is right.

Read the book. Then watch this movie. It will make you think about your actions in an entirely different way. October 8, 2008

Les Miserables-Liam Neeson

Outstanding story of mercy and forgiveness. Highly recommended for theatrical quality and strength of message and meaning. You will not go wrong with this film. September 13, 2008

No Worries

Movie in perfect condition, arrived in a timely manner, would purchase from this seller again. No worries. August 25, 2008

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