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Year of release: 2012
Director: Tom Hooper
Writers: Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg (screenplay & stage musical); William Nicholson, Herbert Kretzmer (screenplay); Victor Hugo (novel)
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, etc.For more information on “Les Misérables”, visit Wikipedia and/or IMDb
General impression:
A little bit too theatrical to get the Oscar, but a treat for those who like musicals – including me. Hugh Jackman delivers a great performance, acting and singing the role of Jean Valjean with both force and sensitivity. Anne Hathaway may seem somewhat excessive, but very touching nonetheless – I couldn’t help crying when she sang “I Dreamed a Dream”. Russell Crowe’s character came off a little too weak to be credible, the opposite of Eddie Redmayne who really animated his character. When it comes to revived classics, there’s not much to say, especially when the work is done by great professionals. I believe this production couldn’t be topped, and that this is the peak of “Les Mis” in general.
Highlights:
An awesome musical with a world-class cast, made by an Oscar-winning director. It’s as good as it sounds.
Downside:
Something is missing, something is too much… I’m not sure what.
Would I see it again? – Yes
My Rating (1 to 10): 9.5
Recommended: Definitely
Suggestion:
Don’t rely much on what the critics have written about the movie. If you like musicals and these particular actors, you will probably enjoy watching “Les Misérables”.