Les Miserables

[seanom]

So I hear there that Christian themes are very central to this movie, however there is a non-marital, non-graphic sex scene in it. Is it still okay to view this movie?? Would it be enough to just look away at that point???!

 

[louisak]

There was a thread on the Popular Media forum after the movie first came out, which included some discussion of this issue. See the following post and the responses to it:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=10194348&postcount=59

I haven’t seen the movie myself, but some expressed the opinion that the scene in question is not prurient and that the film presents prostitution in a very realistic and non-romanticised way, in other words that sin is not presented as something good.

To be fair, I must say there were other opinions expressed on the thread which disagreed, and felt that the amount of nudity and/or indecent dress was excessive.

 

[Allegra]

I’ve seen the movie and I think there is nothing about that scene that is remotely arousing or romanticized. It is a very realistic portrayal of a young girl that is all but forced by poverty into prostitution. I think people should be cautious about seeing it, but not because of the scene being likely to cause a person to lust. (Unless they are an extremely sick, sick, SICK person.) I think lots of people would find the scene very disturbing and painful to watch. I love the music in Les Mis, but I would even go so far as to not allow teens to watch it. I would recommend taking them to a stage production instead or watching one of the two concert performance DVDs that are out there.

 

[superamazingman]

So I hear there that Christian themes are very central to this movie, however there is a non-marital, non-graphic sex scene in it. Is it still okay to view this movie?? Would it be enough to just look away at that point???!

I watched it, and yes, the sex scene isn’t very graphic, and is portrayed with the appropriate horror and negativity. There’s some low cuts for part of the movie, but overall, I think you would be fine. The music is amazing too.

 

[TheDoors]

I saw it, and will see it again. It’s all about redemption, and man overcoming his base nature. Go see it, bring kleenex.

 

[superamazingman]

Forgot to add that I would also go see it again if I had the chance.

 

[bzkoss236]

Fr. Robert Barron did a commentary on the movie (Some spoilers)

I too have seen it, and everyone else is right. The scene, while not graphic at all, can hit you very emotionally hard because it is heartbreaking to see Fantine put into that situation. She is essentially forced into prostitution by the others in the scene, and because of her hopelessness, she gives in.

You eyes will be saved, no effect on your arousal, but may highly affect your heart.

 

[Bartolome_Casas]

What is Victor Hugo had never written Les Miserables?

What if you never saw this movie?

If you never saw another movie in your life your life would not be diminished in the slightest.

Movie are just fairy tales. The events of “Les Miserable” never happened, and the characters in it never existed.

Jean Valjean, the hero of “Les Miserables” is depicted as a saint. But he never existed. Yet, our Catholic Church has innumerable REAL saints whose lives we can study, and trust, and imitate.

Take those ideas into consideration, if you please.

Yes, the “Les Miserables” does demonstrate some Christian themes. But, Victor Hugo was NOT a Christian. He was closer to a New Age believer. He wrote in a time when most or many people in Europe were Christian, and he did have a genuine commitment to helping the poor and outcast. But in no way is “Les Miserables” a thoroughly Christian story. Better to call it Christian-istic in some ways.

If you want to see a movie of “Les Miserables” with no sex scenes, and no singing, get the one starring Liam Neeson. It really is a better movie than this movie musical that has recently come out. It also stars Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and Claire Danes. Its on DVD. See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Misérables_(1998_film

 

[louisak]

What if Victor Hugo had never written Les Miserables?

What if you never saw this movie?

If you never saw another movie in your life your life would not be diminished in the slightest.

Movie are just fairy tales. The events of “Les Miserable” never happened, and the characters in it never existed.

What is your point? The movie is in theaters now and some people are considering whether it is worth going to see. Do you find that objectionable for some reason?

Jean Valjean, the hero of “Les Miserables” is depicted as a saint.

I disagree. Have you read the book? I can think of at least one point in the story when Valjean does something very wrong… namely when he fails to protect Fantine because he is afraid of getting found out. Of course later, when it is too late for him to help her, he regrets his decision bitterly and devotes himself to caring for Cosette. There may be other points that could be cited, it has been too long since I have read the book - I don’t remember many details.

And anyway, so what if he is depicted as a saint? Is that a bad thing? Do you prefer that novels should be filled only with sinful characters?

If you want to see a movie of “Les Miserables” with no sex scenes, and no singing, get the one starring Liam Neeson. It really is a better movie than this movie musical that has recently come out.

That’s comparing apples and oranges. One movie is based on the musical, the other (all other movie adaptations in fact) based on the book. It’s not really fair to compare them.

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

So I hear there that Christian themes are very central to this movie,

That’s true.

however there is a non-marital, non-graphic sex scene in it.

Two, both brief. One is silly and gross; the other is horrific, as the woman involved has been forced into a grueling and degrading life of prostitution.

Is it still okay to view this movie??

Yes, it’s up to your discretion if you think it’s a good idea for you or not.

Would it be enough to just look away at that point???!

Actually, that’s probably not necessary. As I said, the first instance is gross, and the second is really sad. Neither is likely to injure your purity in any way.

But that’s just my opinion. It’s up to you. Objectively, it’s okay; subjectively, your call.

 

[Bartolome_Casas]

May I suggest a movie that is far superior to the current “Les Miserables” movie starring y Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried?

It’s called “The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” See: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html’

Showtimes: Constantly available only.

Starring:
-Jesus Christ
-Blessed Virgin Mary
-The Holy Pontiffs (especially Benedict XVI, John Paul II, Leo XIII)

Rating: 4 stars!

While the made up fairly tale “Les Miserables” story has been around for 150 years and has no noticeable effect on world poverty and injustice, the Social Doctrine of the Church has been redeeming the world for 2,000 years now, and is continuing to bring hope and faith and justice and charity to millions.

“Les Miserable” is briefly entertaining and diverting for viewers, and is making hundreds of millions of dollars for its already rich producers and actors.

But the Social Doctrine of the Church leads souls to the true God and to the lasting Heaven!

If you really want to help poor people, paying $10 to the multimillionaire Hugh Jackman to watch him sing isn’t going to do any good!

Jesus and His Apostles never attended plays (though the Romans loved and staged many plays). The Church father Tertullian strongly recommended that Christians forgo the pagan public entertainments.

 

[Allegra]

An observation…

Your first paragraph argues that indulging in any fiction is a waste of time.

Your second paragraph argues that the author wasn’t Christian and implies that the film is inferior or even immoral because of it.

Yet in your third paragraph, you suggest that you not only saw the recent film, but you also watched the previous film to the extent that you can form an opinion that the first one was better. If the first one was a waste of time because it was fiction, and you find the author’s sense of spirituality wanting, what on earth compelled you to see the second film? You just like the songs?

 

[Allegra]

Jesus and His Apostles never attended plays (though the Romans loved and staged many plays).

I don’t know that this position is an infaillable teaching of the Church.

 

[superamazingman]

May I suggest a movie that is far superior to the current “Les Miserables” movie starring y Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried?

It’s called “The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” See: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html’

Showtimes: Constantly available only.

Starring:
-Jesus Christ
-Blessed Virgin Mary
-The Holy Pontiffs (especially Benedict XVI, John Paul II, Leo XIII)

Rating: 4 stars!

While the made up fairly tale “Les Miserables” story has been around for 150 years and has no noticeable effect on world poverty and injustice, the Social Doctrine of the Church has been redeeming the world for 2,000 years now, and is continuing to bring hope and faith and justice and charity to millions.

“Les Miserable” is briefly entertaining and diverting for viewers, and is making hundreds of millions of dollars for its already rich producers and actors.

But the Social Doctrine of the Church leads souls to the true God and to the lasting Heaven!

If you really want to help poor people, paying $10 to the multimillionaire Hugh Jackman to watch him sing isn’t going to do any good!

Jesus and His Apostles never attended plays (though the Romans loved and staged many plays). The Church father Tertullian strongly recommended that Christians forgo the pagan public entertainments.

Come on…really?

 

[Allegra]

May I suggest a movie that is far superior to the current “Les Miserables” movie starring y Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried?

It’s called “The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” See: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html’

Showtimes: Constantly available only.

Starring:
-Jesus Christ
-Blessed Virgin Mary
-The Holy Pontiffs (especially Benedict XVI, John Paul II, Leo XIII)

Rating: 4 stars!

While the made up fairly tale “Les Miserables” story has been around for 150 years and has no noticeable effect on world poverty and injustice, the Social Doctrine of the Church has been redeeming the world for 2,000 years now, and is continuing to bring hope and faith and justice and charity to millions.

“Les Miserable” is briefly entertaining and diverting for viewers, and is making hundreds of millions of dollars for its already rich producers and actors.

But the Social Doctrine of the Church leads souls to the true God and to the lasting Heaven!

If you really want to help poor people, paying $10 to the multimillionaire Hugh Jackman to watch him sing isn’t going to do any good!

Jesus and His Apostles never attended plays (though the Romans loved and staged many plays). The Church father Tertullian strongly recommended that Christians forgo the pagan public entertainments.

Well there you have it. Henceforth, we will all stay home and read the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church every Friday night with our spouses. Meanwhile, our friend Barty will go to all the movies and then he will tell us whether they were good or a shameful and extravagent waste of time that might have been spent helping the poor, learning about the Saints, or reading the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

 

[PassionofChrist]

our priest did a really good homily on les miserables a few weeks back. i don’t see anything wrong with the movie or the book.

 

[superamazingman]

Well there you have it. Henceforth, we will all stay home and read the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church every Friday night with our spouses.

Sounds like an amazing evening! How fun! That’s sure a way to meet people and form Godly friendships.

 

[Robyn_p]

May I suggest a movie that is far superior to the current “Les Miserables” movie starring y Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried?

It’s called “The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” See: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html’

Showtimes: Constantly available only.

Starring:
-Jesus Christ
-Blessed Virgin Mary
-The Holy Pontiffs (especially Benedict XVI, John Paul II, Leo XIII)

Rating: 4 stars!

While the made up fairly tale “Les Miserables” story has been around for 150 years and has no noticeable effect on world poverty and injustice, the Social Doctrine of the Church has been redeeming the world for 2,000 years now, and is continuing to bring hope and faith and justice and charity to millions.

“Les Miserable” is briefly entertaining and diverting for viewers, and is making hundreds of millions of dollars for its already rich producers and actors.

But the Social Doctrine of the Church leads souls to the true God and to the lasting Heaven!

If you really want to help poor people, paying $10 to the multimillionaire Hugh Jackman to watch him sing isn’t going to do any good!

Jesus and His Apostles never attended plays (though the Romans loved and staged many plays). The Church father Tertullian strongly recommended that Christians forgo the pagan public entertainments.

Doesn’t the Vatican actually have a list of films it recommends? And most of those films on that list are made by non Catholics actually. The Church encourages art and film is a form of art. Obviously yeah some films are just plain garbage, but not all. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water! Movies can be an especially good way of evangelizing too, if done right.

 

[TheDoors]

May I suggest a movie that is far superior to the current “Les Miserables” movie starring y Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried?

It’s called “The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” See: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html’

Showtimes: Constantly available only.

Starring:
-Jesus Christ
-Blessed Virgin Mary
-The Holy Pontiffs (especially Benedict XVI, John Paul II, Leo XIII)

Rating: 4 stars!

While the made up fairly tale “Les Miserables” story has been around for 150 years and has no noticeable effect on world poverty and injustice, the Social Doctrine of the Church has been redeeming the world for 2,000 years now, and is continuing to bring hope and faith and justice and charity to millions.

“Les Miserable” is briefly entertaining and diverting for viewers, and is making hundreds of millions of dollars for its already rich producers and actors.

But the Social Doctrine of the Church leads souls to the true God and to the lasting Heaven!

If you really want to help poor people, paying $10 to the multimillionaire Hugh Jackman to watch him sing isn’t going to do any good!

Jesus and His Apostles never attended plays (though the Romans loved and staged many plays). The Church father Tertullian strongly recommended that Christians forgo the pagan public entertainments.

See this? This is why I have people coming up to me telling me that they’ll never be Christian, because Christians are “no fun” and “hate life”. What could be wrong with spreading a good, moral message? In appreciating the beauty in the gifts that God has given us in music, acting and even technology? How could something which brings social justice to the front of our minds in a way which is not racy or glamorous be against God’s plan? Jesus never protested an abortion clinic, or gathered coats for the homeless, or taught in a Catholic School.

We don’t improve the world by making it less beautiful.