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From Amazon.co.uk
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
Product Description
In nineteenth century France, convict Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson) is paroled after nineteen years' hard labour in prison. He assumes a new identity, becoming a prosperous factory owner, but he is pursued by Javert (Geoffrey Rush), formerly a guard at Valjean's prison, who is obsessed with exposing him. Valjean meanwhile attempts to reunite Fantine (Uma Thurman), a former factory employee who is now dying, and her daughter, Cosette. When Javert tricks him into revealing his true identity, Valjean is forced to flee with Cosette to Paris. Here he becomes embroiled in the revolution, and the vengeful Valjean is still hot on his trail.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 64 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.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By N. Griffiths
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
By Valerie J.
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love this version of Les Miserables, great photography, colour, scenery, dialogue, actors. I bought it though I had already seen it. I confess right now that I have never read the book. Liam Neeson was very well cast in his role as the main character, Jean Valjean, an ex-convict. Geoffrey Rush, who played Valjean's persecutor, though good, didn't quite match up to Charles Laughton who played that role in a much earlier version. I think Jean Valjean (Neeson) should have been canonised for his patience with his adopted daughter(I think she was trying to get him killed personally) and his relentless persecutor. More than once Valjean had the opportunity to rid himself of Rush without even gettings his hands dirty. (Maybe Valjean had a death wish. Certainly he's a better person than I am Gunga Din!) This movie had my emotions all over the place and I like a movie, or book, that can do that!
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4.1 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
A turgid and hammy mess of a movie
Les Misérables. I guess it would be clichéd to say that that's exactly what we were after sitting through this turgid hammy mess of a movie. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Bashful Badger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
I purchased this film after my brother in law said he had seen it on the tv, and enjoyed it. I wasn't disappointed, thoroughly enjoyed it, and the ending is different to the new... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Marine
5.0 out of 5 stars
perfect film, can be watched again and again, never getting tired of...
I first saw this film on Sky and I loved it, so I had to get it on Blu Ray. Liam Neeson is excellent in this film, he is great in all the films he has been in. Read more
Published 13 days ago by jay
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fine Adaptation
Yes, the musical version is excellent, yes the book is rather wordy - and this fits neatly in the middle. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Mel MacLeod
5.0 out of 5 stars
Watch this!
Great actors. Great story. Great film. Nuff said.
Holds the weight of the musical without the need for the music or the theatrics, a testament to all involved.
Holds the weight of the musical without the need for the music or the theatrics, a testament to all involved.
Published 1 month ago by L. C. Tromans
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good film
Brilliant film easy to watch easy to follow so glad I ordered it Liam Neeson is absolutely fantastic in this version.
Published 1 month ago by Lindy Gorrod
3.0 out of 5 stars
Quite Average
Well acted but felt this film only captivated 60% of the book, important parts missing, but on the other hand I can see others liking it :O(
Published 1 month ago by pete
1.0 out of 5 stars
Duff DVD
I do not hate it but it will not play on my DVD apparently because it is an American version
Published 1 month ago by Susan Watkinssuewatkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Film
It came quickly was a DVD like any other enjoyed watching it . Service couldn,t be better THAT IS IT
Published 2 months ago by nightcap
5.0 out of 5 stars
STAFFADOURS
I enjoyed this DVD but would have liked the actors to have had an accent not their normal voices which seemed odd to me , after all they are suppose to be ACTORS. Read more
Published 2 months ago by staffadour
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