(Image from here)
Before seeing the film in the cinema I was not familiar with the story at all. When I was 15 or 16 the all -boys grammar school put on a production of ‘Les Miserables’ and a number of girls, many from my year group took part. I don’t know whether I was just so sickened of hearing them talk about it, or I was jealous I wasn’t going out with one of the boys, I didn’t bother going to see it. I regret it now, especially when old photos have started to appear on facebook! And the guy who played Javert I know to see and speak to often.
Anyway, I’ve seen it twice at the cinema. Loved it. I don’t think I really had a stance on musicals before. It definitely wouldn’t put me off, as it did for my sister.
Each story line was gripping, so exciting, and it was quite easy to follow despite me having no knowledge about the French Revolution.
It’s filled with drama and emotion. Any film that can make you cry harder the second time is a dramatic success! I swear, a sob escaped and I was absolutely mortified. I managed not to cry until the very end, although there are many tear-jerking and brilliant scenes throughout.
The music was wonderful, and etches itself into your brain, I have been happily singing ‘LOOK DOWN, LOOK DOWN, YOU’LL ALWAYS BE A SLAVE’ since seeing the film. The songs intertwine and echo back and work so well. Poor Russell Crowe has been getting a lot of flak for his singing. My Mum thought he seemed very uncomfortable, but he did a great job, I thought he was a good baddie. Hugh Jackman deserves an Oscar for sure. He was absolutely amazing as Jean Valjean, the escaped convict who turns his life around. As my friend said as we embarrassedly tried to wipe the tears away before the lights came on, “I didn’t know ‘oul Hugh had it in him!”
My Auntie text me before she had seen the film, saying she had seen Les Mis on stage in London years ago and still gets teased about her ‘very human story’ comments. I DO think it’s a very human story, and there are feelings of hope, pain and love played out before us, and those are things we are all very familiar with, perhaps not at this breath-taking pace but in our own ways.
Worth seeing. I loved it.
P.s Today (well yesterday now, gee I really need to be getting to bed) was Life Lyrics and Lemoncake’s 2nd blogiversary! No big deal being made this year, not like the extravagance of last year, but I have determination and quiet hopes for my trusy blog yet. Thank you for reading and sticking around.
Life, Lyrics and Lemon Cake 