Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, “Les Miserables”, has moved up from its position on Broadway to the big-screen. On Dec. 25, “Les Miserables” premiered in theatres with sold –out shows throughout the day. The story, which begins in 1815 and spans to the French rebellion in 1832, is a tale of love, sacrifice and idealism.
Its follows ex-prisoner, Jean Valjean, who was sentenced for 17 years because he stole a loaf of bread. Throughout the chronicle, he is searched for by relentless policeman Javert, because he breaks parole. Although, after having a priest treat him with kindness, Valjean decides to change his life around.
Years later, he becomes a mayor and ends up deeply moved by a factory worker named Fantine who is lying on her death bed. Valjean, filled with guilt, promises Fantine to take care of her daughter Cossette, a move that changes their lives forever.

“The director of the film, Tom Hooper was a perfect match for the material, making exquisite use of a much bigger stage and impeccable production design for a wonderfully epic effect, juxtaposed with stirring tight close-ups,” stated Claudia Puig from “USA Today”.

Hooper chose actors who fit the roles perfectly, casting Hugh Jackman as “Jean Valjean”, Anne Hathaway as “Fantine”, Russell Crowe as “Javert” and Amanda Seyfried as “Cossette”. “By having the actors in this film sing live on camera, rather than prerecord their voices in studios prior to reaching the set, Hooper gives the story a live, even visceral feel,” wrote Marshall Fine, in a Huffington Post article.
Sitting in the seat of the theater, it seems as though the actors can no longer speak their feelings, but are forced to sing them.

“I thought the tale on Broadway was brilliant and expected the movie to not be as good because it consisted of sitting for two and a half hours watching a screen. I was very wrong because it was just as sensational as the musical,” explained sophomore, Emma Leibowitz.

Although a few critics disliked it, “Les Miserables” received favorable reviews, with a 73 percent on the well-known site “Rotten Tomatoes”.

According to “CBS News”, film critic Richard Roeper noted, “This is an unforgettable movie going experience, sure to garner multiple Oscar nominations.”

4 ½ out of 5 turkeys