Les Miserables 7/10
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway
Plot: It’s the 19th century, and Jean Valjean breaks his parole. However, he is being hunted by his enemy, policeman Javert.
Tom Hooper creates a film that’s dark, grand and comical. Hooper has loosened his belt significantly since The King’s Speech – a far more structured and tight production. Les Miserables is, despite its length, chaotic due to its many story lines; but somehow flows elegantly to its grand finale thanks to its cast.
The different stories that unravel are all captivating; Hugh Jackman’s rags to riches tale, Russell Crowe’s hunt and Anne Hathaway’s desperation, are all terribly grim at times; yet the stunning musical numbers are uplifting, punchy and powerful. Hooper’s decision to record vocals live is pulled off terrifically; Hathaway’s rawness is captured during a montage of having her teeth removed and hair shaven.
The talent of the cast cannot be questioned; highlights include the phenomenal Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen; Cohen has grown significantly from his gross-out comedy, and here merges himself with Carter in classy humour. The tale between Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne is endearing, and one of the highlights of the picture; Seyfried’s high-pitched voice is a beautiful contrast to the deep, grand voice of Jackman.
In Conclusion: Les Miserables isn’t smothered in glitter and neither is it completely grim. Non-musical fans may be put off by its running time, but its multiple storylines and diverse musical numbers are bound to convert many.
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway
Plot: It’s the 19th century, and Jean Valjean breaks his parole. However, he is being hunted by his enemy, policeman Javert.
Tom Hooper creates a film that’s dark, grand and comical. Hooper has loosened his belt significantly since The King’s Speech – a far more structured and tight production. Les Miserables is, despite its length, chaotic due to its many story lines; but somehow flows elegantly to its grand finale thanks to its cast.
The different stories that unravel are all captivating; Hugh Jackman’s rags to riches tale, Russell Crowe’s hunt and Anne Hathaway’s desperation, are all terribly grim at times; yet the stunning musical numbers are uplifting, punchy and powerful. Hooper’s decision to record vocals live is pulled off terrifically; Hathaway’s rawness is captured during a montage of having her teeth removed and hair shaven.
The talent of the cast cannot be questioned; highlights include the phenomenal Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen; Cohen has grown significantly from his gross-out comedy, and here merges himself with Carter in classy humour. The tale between Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne is endearing, and one of the highlights of the picture; Seyfried’s high-pitched voice is a beautiful contrast to the deep, grand voice of Jackman.
In Conclusion: Les Miserables isn’t smothered in glitter and neither is it completely grim. Non-musical fans may be put off by its running time, but its multiple storylines and diverse musical numbers are bound to convert many.
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