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Amazon.co.uk Review
In this adaptation of Victor Hugo's evergreen classic, Liam Neeson is Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing bread then paroled after nearly two decades of hard labour. A gift of silver candlesticks from a kindly priest helps him begin anew. Forging a decent and profitable existence, he finds success as a businessman and as the mayor of a small town. He even takes in a pregnant young woman (Uma Thurman) and raises her daughter as his own. But when a former prison guard (Geoffrey Rush) recognises Valjean, his past catches up to him. Director Bille August culls mesmerising performances from his cast, but loses us with an ending that panders to teen audiences. The focus shifts dramatically, and uncomfortably, from the haunted Neeson and his hawk-like pursuer, to his daughter (Claire Danes) and her romance with a handsome revolutionary. After this narrative shift, the script leaves behind Hugo themes of revenge and redemption to focus improbably on teen angst--hardly what the author had on his mind. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Special Features
2.35 Wide Screen
English
Region 2
Stereo English
Stereo
Making Of
Trailer
English
Region 2
Stereo English
Stereo
Making Of
Trailer
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
46 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is another of those films-I-think-I'm-not-going-to-like-that-my-son-forces-me-to-watch at Christmastime. And, as usual (but not always), he is right. The elegant production and cinematography capture the look of 1840-ish Paris. Some of the scenes are quite moving, actually. Liam Neeson (if one doesn't do the story's math) is convincing in the role of Jean Valjean (reminding me of Gerard Depardieu); Geoffrey Rush is outstanding as the relentless Javert; and Uma Thurman is properly consumptive as the dying Fontine (I also thought she was remarkably good in the role). As for Cosette and Marius, they are lovely to look at. The pomp of the funeral procession is splendid, and the violence at the barricades is compelling.
If the movie does not capture every moment of the book (which I did read in school), well, neither does Verdi's "Rigoletto" capture every line of "Le Roi S'Amuse!" This production of "Les Miserables" is nevertheless good on its own terms: It captures the essence of Hugo's tale of wretchedness, revolution; recognition and redemption admirably. Moreover, it captured my interest for a couple of hours. Not every movie nowadays does so.
If the movie does not capture every moment of the book (which I did read in school), well, neither does Verdi's "Rigoletto" capture every line of "Le Roi S'Amuse!" This production of "Les Miserables" is nevertheless good on its own terms: It captures the essence of Hugo's tale of wretchedness, revolution; recognition and redemption admirably. Moreover, it captured my interest for a couple of hours. Not every movie nowadays does so.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a very good film, excellent costume, scenery and acting. The film is great to watch before watching the musical as it explains the story really well. My husband actually preferred this film to the musical!!
I would recommend this film and I was really pleased with the price too.
I would recommend this film and I was really pleased with the price too.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I confess, I have not read Victor Hugo's work. I did order it online 5 minutes ago though.
I have seen Les Miserables on Broadway and twice in the UK and I often listen to the Cameron Mackintosh CD version.
This film IS different to the musical version, but that does not make it worse. It is captivating from start to finish with excellent performances from Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the stage adaptation.
I have seen Les Miserables on Broadway and twice in the UK and I often listen to the Cameron Mackintosh CD version.
This film IS different to the musical version, but that does not make it worse. It is captivating from start to finish with excellent performances from Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the stage adaptation.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not impressed
I was not impressed with this version. It doesn't run as well as the book.
It's nowhere near as good as the earlier film staring Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Sir... Read more
It's nowhere near as good as the earlier film staring Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Sir... Read more
Published 14 days ago by Nigel G
DVD
Bought this for my sister who likes this sort of thing........she loved it ! She has just read the book in French ....she's weird like that.
Published 1 month ago by Fred Splinge
Les Miserables film 1998
Never got round to seeing the show so wondered what it was all about. This film is very good but I understand a remake is taking place in 2012. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. B. Oldmeadow
Les Miserables
I first viewed this film via Sky television and after telling my friends who missed it to watch out for it (these films are often repeated on Sky channels) alas this has not been... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jools Goz
Justice will prevail
This is one of my top ten movies and I believe this is the best version so far. I highly recommend this to anyone.
Published 3 months ago by A.M.R.A.M
Highly watchable and didactic
"So long as laws shall exist which create hells in the midst of Civilisation, so long as men are degraded, women ruined and children afraid, so long as there shall be ignorance,... Read more
Published 3 months ago by A. Xiradakis
Les Mis is great
We looked at how much it cost to go and see the show and decided that under a fiver was a good price to pay for the film of the story (by the way this is not a film of the musical)... Read more
Published 4 months ago by sue
DVD Les Miserables
DVD in good condition. No playing problems.
As all film adaptations, it condenses the story from the book. Read more
As all film adaptations, it condenses the story from the book. Read more
Published 6 months ago by chris
Les Miserables
This is an excellent DVD, the acting is superb. I would recommend anyone who would like to see the musical, see this first, that way you will get more enjoyment from the musical
Published 9 months ago by W. P. J. Sheppard
Masterpiece
One of my favourite stories and films. Liam Neeson is excellent in this, and Geoffrey Rush is genius in his usual quietly malevolent style. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Heather
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