Les Miserables (Tom Hooper, 2012) Review

Call me ignorant or whatnot but I have never seen any adaptation of this classic story. Yeah, I'm an idiot but I though it was finally time to see what this story is all about due to the HUUUUGE hype around this film, the successful box office count, the Oscar nominations, the best selling soundtrack...I could go on. Well then, you've probably heard about his film so I guess it's time to take a look. Is this truly all it's set up to be or is it just another dissapointment (another referring to Prometheus)? Let's find out!

A prisoner named Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is released from prison however he breaks his parole in order to create a new life for himself. Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) is hot on his trail and will stop at nothing to take him back into custody. Eight years from his release, Jean is now a well renowned factory owner whose run in with Javert gets one of his workers, Fantine (Anne Hathaway), out onto the streets. Jean vows to help protect Fatine's daughter, Cosette (Isabelle Allen) as well as stay on the run from Javert.

I guess the first thing to talk about is the soundtrack. It's amazing. The actors had to sing the songs live for the camera as opposed to the usual dubbing and it truly makes it more awe-inspiring and sincere (especially Anne Hathaway's songs). It's truly beautiful and if I had to pick my favourite, it would be One Day More. Say what you want but I thought that Russell Crowe was amazing as well as the Oscar nominated Hugh Jackman. It's not so much a musical as it is an opera seeing as almost everything is sung (almost...there's about 20 lines of dialogue). Yeah, I'm gonna buy the soundtrack.

This film just looks incredible. The scenes during the revolution look amazing and clearly had a lot of work put into it. In fact, the effort that it must have taken to make this film is just tiring to think about. The fact that the actors had to sing their songs to the camera and also do it multiple times in order to get the variety of shots. The sets and costumes are also well done (the sets especially). In fact, EVERYTHING that went into the film is amazing. Yes, amazing is the word of this film.

Les Miserables is, honestly, the first ever film I have ever cried at. Not just because it's, well, miserable (well, surprisingly not...that was a pun...I'm done) but just because of how beautiful of a film it was. That finale was just incredible. Les Miserables is easily one of the best films of the year and you would be a fool to miss it. What film do I think should get the Oscar for Best Picture...well...this (the only reason I brought it up).

Verdict:
9.5/10
A beautiful film with an amazing soundtrack, tremendous acting, a clever story and all leads up to an amazingly satisfying film.

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!