In what has been an amazing end to 2012 and thrilling start to 2013, I am happy to announce our first ever perfect movie in Les Misérables!
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an amazing story of love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Hugh Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, who’s hunted for years by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette (Isabelle Allen), their lives change forever.
All of the nominations and hoopla surrounding this film are well-earned and deservedly touted. I have never seen the play and purposely did not see it before seeing the movie because of this: Making a film version of a stage play is a tough act to follow. This is coming from an avid, and I mean borderline obsessive Phantom of the Opera fan over here who was dreadfully disappointed at the film remake (but it featured Leonidas so hey.. 🙂 ).
From the songs, to the cast, the different settings and the storyline, this film did exactly what it should do (at least in my opinion); it inspired me to see the play! If the movie is this amazing I can only imagine what the experience would be like on Broadway or Wyndham’s Theatre in London. Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman were excellent and I think more applause should be given to Isabelle Allen and Amanda Seyfried. The Cosette’s not only looked just alike but gave an awe-inspiring performance (Side Note: This was Isabelle Allen’s first film EVER). I’d also like to give kudos to Sacha Baron Cohen for his role as Thenardier and a name to remember, Samantha Barks, who played Eponine put on an amazing performance as well.
That’s right readers, a perfect 10 is the rating we must give. Anything less than that would be unjust and disrespectful to this masterpiece. That means if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, go see this movie! It’s already won 3 Gold Globes and has 8 Academy Award nominations. Put this on your schedule!
-TPR