Les Miserables
December 26, 2012
By Oliver Layco
What do Wolverine, Catwoman, a Gladiator, Borat, and Bellatrix Lestrange have in 
common? They were all part of the most recent film incarnation of Les Miserables. The setting is 19th century France amidst the turmoil of the French Revolution. Hugh Jackman plays Jean Valjean, who was imprisoned for 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family. While Russell Crowe plays Javert, the law enforcing police officer who chases Jean Valjean throughout the story. Throughout the course of Jean’s journey, he tries to do good by his work and eventually becomes a factory owner. This is where we meetFantine, Anne Hathaway, who is simply trying to make enough money so that her child can live. She is eventually forced down a dark path where she has to shave her hair, lose a few teeth, and sell her body just so that her child can live. Although her screen time was limited, she was probably one of the more emotional characters on screen. Jean eventually has to take care of Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, and becomes a true parent to her. During the later part of the film, we see the struggle Jean goes through while trying to keep her safe while still trying to dodge Javert. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter play some much needed comical relief from about halfway in the film all the way until the end of this saddening tale. All the actors did an exceptional job portraying the emotions of their characters. Also, the story never felt like it was dragging on at any point; this was my biggest fear going in, so I applaud the director and editors for pacing this film just right. The only exception I had to this was that I wasn’t expecting them to sing 98% of the time. I’m not a giant fan of musicals in the first place so this may be where my judgment comes from. However, I can see why this is garnering as much attention as it is; and it rightly deserves all the praise it is receiving. This type of movie will never replace my usual type, but I appreciate what they were trying to convey. If you’re a fan of musicals at all you won’t be disappointed; and if you’re like me, then it’s worth seeing at least once.
9.5 out of 10 Bigblue Leaps!!
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Nutshell Reviews is a collection of very short reviews of the most significant movies, books, music, and video games, from both the present day and days gone passed.