Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Directed by: Tom Hooper

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crow, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried

Brief description: Set in France during the 1800's, this musical follows one man's journey through life as he tries to right his wrongs.

My Rating: 4/5

This is the movie version of one of the greatest musicals of all time. Unlike other musical-turned-movies (I'm looking at you Phantom) it lives up to its origins. 

I was seriously impressed by the talent. I knew Hugh Jackman had been on Broadway so he wasn't a big surprise. I was surprised at just how good he was. Dude is a multi-dimensional talent. Russell Crowe was decent although his vocal style is definitely better suited to contemporary. He didn't have the breadth or range needed for the role of Javert. Amanda Seyfried lived in the range of dog's hearing. Extremely high pitched, although sweet and clear. Anne Hathaway stole the show. She was absolutely riveting. Her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" was breathtakingly heartbreaking. Her performance overall was staggering. If she isn't nominated for awards across the board, I'll be seriously disappointed. 

The costumes were good, the action was good. If you're not a cold hearted so-and-so you'll get choked up, maybe possibly even cry.

Definitely worth a watch, even if you've never heard/seen the musical.

P.S.

 The singing wasn't dubbed. Which is even more impressive.