Movie Review: Les Misérables

There are movies made to win awards and Les Misérables is definitely one of them. And because of its powerhouse cast and 60-million-dollar production budget, the movie would surely be a hit and it was, grossing over US$130 million in US and Canada alone. A classic like Les Misérables is a classic, and whether you like it or not, such movie will be remembered for decades.


Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, 'Les Miserables' travels with prisoner-on-parole, 24601, Jean Valjean, as he runs from the ruthless Inspector Javert on a journey beyond the barricades, at the center of the June Rebellion. Meanwhile, the life of a working class girl with a child is at turning point as she turns to prostitution to pay money to the evil innkeeper and his wife who look after her child, Cosette. Valjean promises to take care of the child, eventually leads to a love triangle between Cosette, Marius who is a student of the rebellion, and Eponine, a girl of the streets. The people sing of their anger and Enjolras leads the students to fight upon the barricades.

It is Rated PG-13 in the Philippines for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements. The genre is drama/musical/romance, similar to the play. If you are a fan of musicals or theatrical plays, then this is the movie to watch this year. Honestly, since I'm not a fan of such genre, the movie was sort of dragging to me. The almost 3-hour movie could have been cut to half if they didn't sing their lines. There are of course scenes that I did like, especially those that involved Helena Bonham Carter. All in all, it was a good movie. Kudos to Anne Hathaway for her believable acting chops. Just a tip: Be sure to go to the restroom first before watching the film and do not forget to bring chips with you.

RATING: 4 out of 5 STARS

Credits to IMDB for the plot summary

Til then...

xoxo Nash