Finally had the chance to watch the much talked about musical film ‘Les Miserables‘ earlier. I was supposed to see it a week earlier from its Philippine premiere but sadly, it was cancelled due to technical problems.
Courtesy of Skintec, a private screening was held at the Director’s Cut in SM Mall of Asia.
To be honest, I’ve never seen any of its staging before, but I am fully aware of its popularity especially because world-renowned Filipino artist Lea Salonga was part of it. To prepare myself before watching the movie, I first watched its 1957 and 1995 film version, as well as its 10th and 25th Anniversary concert.
Although I was hoping Lea Salonga would have been given a part to the new film adaptation, I am happy enough with the casting especially the inclusion of Anne Hathaway as Fantine, the mother who will do everything for her daughter.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Hugh Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades 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, their lives change forever. In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper‘s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo‘s epic tale.
I love music but I am not too kin watching stage plays or musical film. I’m never a fan of Glee or High School Musical and I got bored watching Hair Spray. But I did enjoyed watching Evita and those Walt Disney cartoon classics (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, etc.). Although I consider Evita as one of the finest musical film, Les Misérables is of course different because this one is more painful to watch. Truth to its title, I did feel miserable after watching. Miserable in a good way because every scenes, every lines, every songs hits me.
There are too many memorable scenes from the movie but the ones that I am not ashamed to say that I cried with are when Fantene and Jean Valjean died, and the ‘on my own’ number of Eponine (played by Samantha Barks). I was also amazed with Hugh Jackman’s drastic transformation – his weight lose and face is unrecognizable. This makes me admire him more as an actor. Anne Hathaway is also remarkable in this movie not just with her deglamorized character but also for an acting worthy of not just a Golden Globe but also an Academy Awards.
The highly-acclaimed movie is reportedly the the highest opening day gross for a musical film and was also the second highest opening day gross for a film released on Christmas Day. Although Les Misérables received generally favorable reviews from other film critics, some lambasted the inclusion of Russell Crowe. Yes, he is not a singer but I didn’t find his singing that bad. It was actually tolerable. But yes, the one who played Javert in the 25th Anniversary is the most ideal vocals for the character. It was actually the singing part of Amanda Seyfried (the older Cosette) that I am not too keen with because I find it a bit pitch-y. But based on the 25th Anniversary concert, they have the same voice range.
What impressed me more with Les Miserables is the great casting they did for the extras and other performers. Eddie Redmayne who plays Marius Pontmercy, was okay and reminds me of local actor/singer Markki Stroemm. Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen who plays the Thénardiers, two swindling innkeepers, are also great addition to the cast. They actually lighten up this heavy drama. Daniel Huttlestone playing the kid Gavroche is also amazing especially the scene were he got fired during the French revolution. The young Cosette played by Isabelle Allen is also believable in the movie. Wish the little girl was given more dramatic scenes.
Over-all, I have nothing much to say about Les Misérables but only good words. I will never be ashamed to admit I cried watching this movie. Definitely, one of the movies I will include to my all-time favorite movies. The music still haunts me until now and I am looking forward to have it’s “Les Miserables: Highlights from The Motion Picture Soundtrack” which is available under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).
