REVIEW

 

Les Miserables

Director: Tom Hooper

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe. 

Rating: 4/5

Adapted from the musical of the same title, Les Mis├®rables is a spectacular cinematic exploration from Tom Hooper, the director of The KingÔÇÖs Speech. The emotionally charged film, set in 19th-century Paris, tells a tale of broken dreams and unrelenting human spirit. With an all-star cast separated over three time frames, it follows ex-convict ┬á Jean Valjean (Jackman), as he tries to escape his past and the ruthless Inspector Javert (Crowe).

Those who love the musical will not be disappointed by the vocal performances of the film. Anne Hathaway stirs up a spine-tingling performance of┬á ÔÇÿI Dreamed a DreamÔÇÖ, while Eddie Redmayne moves audiences with his rendition of ÔÇÿEmpty Chairs at Empty TablesÔÇÖ. Another striking performance is Samantha BarksÔÇÖ ÔÇÿOn My OwnÔÇÖ; the musical star reprises her stage role as ├ëponine in this, her film debut, stunning audiences with her brilliant vocals. Despite this, it is Jackman who steals the show with his

performances throughout the film, particularly in the much-adored ÔÇÿBring Him HomeÔÇÖ.

Overall, the film gives striking cinematography to a tragic tale of love and death that is guaranteed to cause a tear or two. Les Mis├®rables is a must-see film that will have you lost in its heart-rending story and leave you subconsciously singing its powerful songs for days.

Christina Morgan