Les Miserables (DVD)

Reviews

"Les Miserables" by Micky B - 16 July 2013

This classical story, by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, has been filmed many times; initially as a straightforward drama, and more recently as what has proved to be a highly successful musical. Hugh Jackman, in the lead, plays Jean Valjean – a Frenchman released from prison on parole after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for the sick child of a friend. Skipping parole, he starts a new life – becoming first a successful factory owner, and later the mayor of the town in which he has settled. It interesting to see Russell Crowe in second billing, as Javert: the lawman who has sworn to bring Valjean to justice again, after the mayor's true identity has been revealed. Mr Crowe has a surprisingly pleasant singing voice, and his perdfrmance as a single-minded officer of the law (previously played “straight” by the likes of Charles Laughton and Robert Newton) is most convincing. Crowe wasn't keen to play the part until Cameron Mackintosh, the London producer, explained to him the subtle technicalities of the role – which enthused Crowe to want to become involved with the production. Its all very colourful; trhe acting, singing and dancing is oustandingly good...but I could never quite lose the feeling that I was merely watching a filmed play! Still, its worth viewing; if only to talk about amongst friends of your acquaintance who have also seen either the film or the play.