I just got back from watching Les Miserables, the 6:15 showing at Livermore Cinemas. I am a total Les Mis fan. I believe it's one of the greatest stories ever written, and i love the musical. I had read some of the reviews and was anxious, and apprehensive, about seeing it tonight.
First off, i must say, WOW. It was amazing. Overall, i LOVED it. I could just leave it at that, but i'm feeling cathartic so i'll continue for a few minutes.
First, how faithful was it to its source? This was something i was worried about. In the IGN review there was a complaint that the songs lost some of the subtlety of the text in them. I don't remember the specific example, but i can say that i saw none of this. In fact, i think the movie format added an incredible amount of depth to the original musical. A good example of this is during the barricade scene they mention they are the last barricade, all others have fallen. The narrow streets give a feeling of isolation and claustrophobia that you don't get in the musical. Also, Jean Valjean's following Marius into the barricade is illuminated a bit. As he sings "Bring him home" you feel and see his realization that Marius is Cosette's long time salvation, that his time is coming to an end, and that he must take a chance on a boy he hardly knows to save her. His worry becomes the worry of any Father who's child approaches independence. It was wonderful. My only complaints here are that they cut a few lines and songs out that i particularly missed. For instance, Gavroche's "when the pup grows up" song after they capture Javert is not there. I love that quick song. Speaking of Gavroche, he's GREAT in this. Also, the line "i'll sleep in your embrace at last" is gone from Eponine's "A little fall of rain". That line is so sweet and heartbreaking i was sad to see it go. However, i have to mention that I think they nailed "Lovely Ladies". In the musical it's often played like the women are having a great time. The movie gets the true meaning of the song and plays it right, in my opinion.
Second, how are the performances? I would say that all-around they are excellent. Russell Crowe's voice DOES bug a TON at first, but it grew on me. I would've thought they would HAVE TO have someone who can sing vibrato in that part, but i guess not! He is in over his head and it's apparent. HOWEVER, he does make up for it in the end where he does an incredible job of showing Javert's change of heart as he pins his medal on Gavroche, a very touching addition. He really sells Javert's awakening quite well, so what he lacks in singing skill he makes up for in the dramatic addition. His death carries a palpable weight, and there is some great parallelism as he walks the edge of the Seine, about to fall in, to when he was walking the edge of the halls of justice as he pledges to find Jean Valjean earlier in the movie. Enough of that, Anne Hathaway is FANTASTIC. Her singing of "I dreamed a dream" is worth the price of admission alone, and then some. It's heartbreaking and terrible, a true picture of a woman who's been used up and spit out by the world. The performances of "One day more", "Look down", and Valjean's awakening (after the priest's absolves him of the theft, i can't remember the song name!) are amazing too. There's a LOT of company there.
I gotta say that I didn't cry QUITE as much as when i view the theatrical version, BUT i did almost full on lose it during the last song. When Eponine takes Jean Valjean's spirit and walks him out of the room it is wonderful and cathartic, just as it should be.
I HIGHLY recommend this movie to anyone, fan or not. I took my dad and brother (who were complaining today that 'the Sound of Music' is too long and boring) and they fully enjoyed it.
If i had to grade it, i would give a 9.5. I knock it down a half star because Javert SHOULD have been played by someone with a more powerful voice.
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