MOVIE: Les Miserables 2012

[Arizona_Mike]

I can’t wait for this film, the book had the most profound spiritual effect on me by any work of fiction I’ve ever experienced. Second to the Bible, Les Misérables is probably the second most important book I’ve ever had the pleasure to read from. How I wish there were more Bishops like Bishop Myriel from Les Misérables who turned his luxurious and grand Bishop’s palace into a hospital, and opted to live in humbler arrangements, who truly lived up to the words of Christ: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (ESV)

The music from the film is full of positive religious imagery, some of the lyrics from the finale are especially powerful from a spiritual perspective: “They will live again in freedom in the Garden of the Lord, they will walk behind the plowshare they will put away the sword, the chain will be broken and all men will have their reward!”

I’ve always tried to derive more Catholic themes from the music and story. I’ve personally seen the barricade as a metaphor for the Church, for the revolutionaries the barricade is a symbol of refuge of hope, their fortress against their enemies. And as scripture states, the Church is the bulwark of the truth. And as the lyrics to the finale and “Do You Hear the People Sing” go “Beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free!” With the Church as the barricade we look beyond to the world to come at Christ’s second coming when the ministry of the Church is complete. And we join the fight that will us the right to be free (from sin). Lovely imagery I must say.

Now in regards to this, I suggest you understand why the book was probably on the index. Victor Hugo offers a majestic and noble image of the Church at times, and at other times he directly criticizes certain aspects of Catholic life. Hugo seems to take jabs at the Church’s wealth, but more to the point Hugo writes a scathing part of the book concerning monasteries and convents, he is not too fond of them for reasons he explains, though he thinks they should be free to exist, he doesn’t like them and thinks they have their place at the dawn of civilizations but should be phased out over time. I certainly disagree, but I can see this part of the book as being why it was on the index. In addition to this, Hugo also appears sympathetic to the French Revolution, (he certainly was no royalist) which obviously would have infuriated many in the Church considering the De-Christianization that France went under during the revolution which I’m sure was fresh in the minds of those in the Church.

But if you actually read the book, you will find that it is full of great Catholic characters, Bishop Myriel and Jean Valjean to name the most prominent who offer a positive image of Catholicism. Like I said above, this book in my view has done me the most spiritual good a novel has ever done. I started reading it in a time of spiritual dryness and it really inspired me take more of the gospel to heart especially when it concerned forgiveness, charity in word and deed, doing more to help the poor, becoming less focused on material possessions, and so on. It’s strange how profound an impact fictional stories and characters can have on you, and I personally attest to the fact that reading Les Misérables has led to me being a better Catholic and person in general, and I can’t wait till I finish it. It’s not often in today’s media that you get role model characters, we glorify antiheros and villains in today’s society, Les Misérables seeks to glorify what truly needs to be glorified: love, mercy, hope, charity, faith, sacrifice, etc. I don’t care for some of Hugo’s political and personal opinions that he weaves into the book, but I love how those aforementioned values are glorified.

Very well said, Matthew.

 

[Matthew91]

My husband explains to me that the musical is all about fate and how we are trapped by fate–I just don’t get it. To me, the story is about a mob of people all wearing shades of gray, black, and brown, who fight over a garbage dump that is also gray, black, and brown.

I don’t think the story is about fate at all, the book captures so much of the human experience, it really is dazzling to me. All the conflicts in varying relationships that are conveyed are done beautifully.

If I were to say what the story was about in short; I’d say it is about how God can intertwine the paths of human beings to bring about their redemption, salvation, and happiness.

There is a recurring theme in the book where various characters part ways and then their diverging paths converge once again in the future. Thenardier saves Marius’s father’s life, and then Marius happens to find himself renting a room next door to Thenardier. Gavroche is separated from his two younger brothers, and happens to meet them again years later on the streets of Paris without recognizing them, he takes them under his wing as if they were his brothers, when in actuality they are, unbeknownst to him or them

With this said, Les Misérables isn’t exactly the epitome of a marketable novel nowadays. Victor Hugo goes into long tangents about things that are only distantly relevant to the story such as his famous and lengthy summary of the Battle of Waterloo. His views are made clear to the reader at times, I don’t know much about Victor Hugo, but from reading Les Mis, he seems to be sympathetic to the French revolution, Napoleon, a supporter of Democracy often emphasizing “progress” many times throughout the novel. In regards to religious views he puts forward in the novel, I know he was Catholic but from basic research it seems he became embittered towards the Church and began to identify as a rationalist instead. Hugo was certainly outspoken about his belief in God in the novel, he even offers some philosophical arguments in favor of God’s existence at one point, and exposes the depravity of certain atheistic elements such as the Senator character early on in the book who articulates his foul, godless moral philosophy to Bishop Myriel. The concept of providence is also a recurring theme, God is always that recurring character that Hugo brings in to make sense of life and life’s events.

I also should note that the revolutionary aspect is a very small part of the whole book, the book is nearly 1500 pages, and yet the trailers for the film might lead some to believe that this is a war movie when nothing could be farther from the truth. The bulk, and strength of the story rests with the characters, and it is a deeply personal story where the experiences and personalities of the characters embody the strongest themes.

I think what people love about this book and the musical is that there truly is something that everyone can relate to, from small children (although I wouldn’t take them to this film, I have heard there are some graphic scenes) to the elderly, from the sinner to the saint, the lawful citizen to the outlaw, the conservative to the liberal, the rich and the poor. It feels like no matter what state in life I get to, there will be some part of the book, some character that embodies my state in life whether it be feeling the sting of unrequited love, being in dire economic straits, dealing with familial issues, etc.

 

[louisak]

With this said, Les Misérables isn’t exactly the epitome of a marketable novel nowadays. Victor Hugo goes into long tangents about things that are only distantly relevant to the story such as his famous and lengthy summary of the Battle of Waterloo.

Yes, other notable digressions include an analysis of the sewer systems of Paris, a lengthy description of fighting at the barricades during the second revolution (or is it the third? I forget - and why did the French have so many revolutions anyway?) and a lengthy discussion of enclosed convents - he grudgingly admits them to have some good qualities, but still thinks they should be abolished. Also, at the very beginning, there is a lengthy description of the life of the saintly bishop who eventually plays such an important role in Valjean’s life.

However, the book is readily available in abridged editions which remove these passages, or edit them down severely.

 

[Cat]

I can’t wait for this film, the book had the most profound spiritual effect on me by any work of fiction I’ve ever experienced. Second to the Bible, Les Misérables is probably the second most important book I’ve ever had the pleasure to read from. How I wish there were more Bishops like Bishop Myriel from Les Misérables who turned his luxurious and grand Bishop’s palace into a hospital, and opted to live in humbler arrangements, who truly lived up to the words of Christ: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (ESV)

The music from the film is full of positive religious imagery, some of the lyrics from the finale are especially powerful from a spiritual perspective: “They will live again in freedom in the Garden of the Lord, they will walk behind the plowshare they will put away the sword, the chain will be broken and all men will have their reward!”

I’ve always tried to derive more Catholic themes from the music and story. I’ve personally seen the barricade as a metaphor for the Church, for the revolutionaries the barricade is a symbol of refuge of hope, their fortress against their enemies. And as scripture states, the Church is the bulwark of the truth. And as the lyrics to the finale and “Do You Hear the People Sing” go “Beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free!” With the Church as the barricade we look beyond to the world to come at Christ’s second coming when the ministry of the Church is complete. And we join the fight that will us the right to be free (from sin). Lovely imagery I must say.

Now in regards to this, I suggest you understand why the book was probably on the index. Victor Hugo offers a majestic and noble image of the Church at times, and at other times he directly criticizes certain aspects of Catholic life. Hugo seems to take jabs at the Church’s wealth, but more to the point Hugo writes a scathing part of the book concerning monasteries and convents, he is not too fond of them for reasons he explains, though he thinks they should be free to exist, he doesn’t like them and thinks they have their place at the dawn of civilizations but should be phased out over time. I certainly disagree, but I can see this part of the book as being why it was on the index. In addition to this, Hugo also appears sympathetic to the French Revolution, (he certainly was no royalist) which obviously would have infuriated many in the Church considering the De-Christianization that France went under during the revolution which I’m sure was fresh in the minds of those in the Church.

But if you actually read the book, you will find that it is full of great Catholic characters, Bishop Myriel and Jean Valjean to name the most prominent who offer a positive image of Catholicism. Like I said above, this book in my view has done me the most spiritual good a novel has ever done. I started reading it in a time of spiritual dryness and it really inspired me take more of the gospel to heart especially when it concerned forgiveness, charity in word and deed, doing more to help the poor, becoming less focused on material possessions, and so on. It’s strange how profound an impact fictional stories and characters can have on you, and I personally attest to the fact that reading Les Misérables has led to me being a better Catholic and person in general, and I can’t wait till I finish it. It’s not often in today’s media that you get role model characters, we glorify antiheros and villains in today’s society, Les Misérables seeks to glorify what truly needs to be glorified: love, mercy, hope, charity, faith, sacrifice, etc. I don’t care for some of Hugo’s political and personal opinions that he weaves into the book, but I love how those aforementioned values are glorified.

slow clapping.

Call me a party-pooper here, but I can’t get past the fact that the role of Fantine was handed to Anne Hathaway, a film actress who has never sung in her life and took singing lessons to be able to get through this part. You may watch the film version of the musical and see Fantine and all that sweet stuff in your post above–I see an overly thin young woman (she was already thin, and lost 25 pounds for this part) who has repeatedly and unapologetically attempted to do great evil to the Catholic Church because of her very public stand in great favor of gay marriage.

I also don’t see Thenadier, I see Sasha Baron Cohen, who has made movies that are so filthy that even young people are embarrassed.

Sorry I don’t have more imagination. It’s one thing to suspend imagination for a stage musical done live–that’s part of what live theater is all about–suspending imagination and somehow believing that the fat woman on the stage really is starving because she’s so poor. But in a movie, which is all about realism, it’s more difficult to suspend imagination.

Frankly, I think Catholics should boycott the movie in protest. But from what I’ve seen of Les Miz lovers, they are willing to go through anything to see it.

 

[pnewton]

slow clapping.

Call me a party-pooper here, but I can’t get past the fact that the role of Fantine was handed to Anne Hathaway, a film actress who has never sung in her life and took singing lessons to be able to get through this part. You may watch the film version of the musical and see Fantine and all that sweet stuff in your post above–I see an overly thin young woman (she was already thin, and lost 25 pounds for this part) who has repeatedly and unapologetically attempted to do great evil to the Catholic Church because of her very public stand in great favor of gay marriage.

I also don’t see Thenadier, I see Sasha Baron Cohen, who has made movies that are so filthy that even young people are embarrassed.

Sorry I don’t have more imagination. It’s one thing to suspend imagination for a stage musical done live–that’s part of what live theater is all about–suspending imagination and somehow believing that the fat woman on the stage really is starving because she’s so poor. But in a movie, which is all about realism, it’s more difficult to suspend imagination.

Frankly, I think Catholics should boycott the movie in protest. But from what I’ve seen of Les Miz lovers, they are willing to go through anything to see it.

If I boycotted because of actors, I would never watch anything, inculding,* The Passion*. The USCCB has even reviews movies.

I would think casting a thin Fantine makes more sense than a fat Fantine. It is a movie. Looks and acting matter first and primarily. The singing has been notably give a back seat. This was deliberate.

 

[dixieagle]

slow clapping.

Call me a party-pooper here, but I can’t get past the fact that the role of Fantine was handed to Anne Hathaway, a film actress who has never sung in her life and took singing lessons to be able to get through this part. You may watch the film version of the musical and see Fantine and all that sweet stuff in your post above–I see an overly thin young woman (she was already thin, and lost 25 pounds for this part) who has repeatedly and unapologetically attempted to do great evil to the Catholic Church because of her very public stand in great favor of gay marriage.

I also don’t see Thenadier, I see Sasha Baron Cohen, who has made movies that are so filthy that even young people are embarrassed.

Sorry I don’t have more imagination. It’s one thing to suspend imagination for a stage musical done live–that’s part of what live theater is all about–suspending imagination and somehow believing that the fat woman on the stage really is starving because she’s so poor. But in a movie, which is all about realism, it’s more difficult to suspend imagination.

Frankly, I think Catholics should boycott the movie in protest. But from what I’ve seen of Les Miz lovers, they are willing to go through anything to see it.

Sadly, if you boycotted every movie with an actor who disagrees with the Church, you’d never see one. That’s your choice. I dislike Anne Hathaway’s stance on gay “marriage” and understand that it stems from the fact that her brother is gay, and her gross misunderstanding of the Church’s stance on people who are homosexual. However, I think she was an excellent choice for Fantine and her performance (i’ve just seen the trailers and heard “I Dreamed a Dream”) looks powerful and her singing perfect for the character.

I expect plenty of Oscar nods for this movie, including Anne Hathaway. Of course, I would give Hugh Jackman an Oscar for simply being.

 

[Matthew91]

slow clapping.

Call me a party-pooper here, but I can’t get past the fact that the role of Fantine was handed to Anne Hathaway, a film actress who has never sung in her life and took singing lessons to be able to get through this part. You may watch the film version of the musical and see Fantine and all that sweet stuff in your post above–I see an overly thin young woman (she was already thin, and lost 25 pounds for this part) who has repeatedly and unapologetically attempted to do great evil to the Catholic Church because of her very public stand in great favor of gay marriage.

I also don’t see Thenadier, I see Sasha Baron Cohen, who has made movies that are so filthy that even young people are embarrassed.

Sorry I don’t have more imagination. It’s one thing to suspend imagination for a stage musical done live–that’s part of what live theater is all about–suspending imagination and somehow believing that the fat woman on the stage really is starving because she’s so poor. But in a movie, which is all about realism, it’s more difficult to suspend imagination.

Frankly, I think Catholics should boycott the movie in protest. But from what I’ve seen of Les Miz lovers, they are willing to go through anything to see it.

Boycott the movie in protest of what? The fact that Cohen and Hathaway were cast? If this is what you mean how do you justify this?

I hope people see this film; we hardly ever see mainstream films that show faith and Catholicism in a positive light, and this is one of those films that does and it is as mainstream as they come, primed to reach a huge audience. In an age where religion is seen as a relic of the past, and irrelevant to the majority, this film with its timeless themes that glorifies faith, forgiveness, hope, love, etc. will awaken that desire for God in peoples’ hearts, I am sure of it.

I highly suggest those interested watch a recent episode of the World Over with Raymond Arroyo of EWTN, he had some great interviews with Hugh Jackman and Tom Hooper talking about these spiritual elements from the overtly religious dialogue to the subliminal imagery and cinematography that have religious messages, the placement of crosses as key moments, what Raymond called “God’s eye view” camera angles, and so on, it is really fascinating. Arroyo also had Steven Greydanus of Decent Films on to discuss it.

 

[Matthew91]

slow clapping.

Call me a party-pooper here, but I can’t get past the fact that the role of Fantine was handed to Anne Hathaway, a film actress who has never sung in her life and took singing lessons to be able to get through this part. You may watch the film version of the musical and see Fantine and all that sweet stuff in your post above–I see an overly thin young woman (she was already thin, and lost 25 pounds for this part) who has repeatedly and unapologetically attempted to do great evil to the Catholic Church because of her very public stand in great favor of gay marriage.

You know she lost weight for the roll for a reason right? Fantine becomes extremely poor (thus no able to eat as much) and gravely ill in the story, so a very thin Fantine is more proper for the role.

 

[Cat]

You know she lost weight for the roll for a reason right? Fantine becomes extremely poor (thus no able to eat as much) and gravely ill in the story, so a very thin Fantine is more proper for the role.

Yes, I know the story.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

slow clapping.

Call me a party-pooper here, but I can’t get past the fact that the role of Fantine was handed to Anne Hathaway, a film actress who has never sung in her life and took singing lessons to be able to get through this part. You may watch the film version of the musical and see Fantine and all that sweet stuff in your post above–I see an overly thin young woman (she was already thin, and lost 25 pounds for this part) who has repeatedly and unapologetically attempted to do great evil to the Catholic Church because of her very public stand in great favor of gay marriage.

I also don’t see Thenadier, I see Sasha Baron Cohen, who has made movies that are so filthy that even young people are embarrassed.

Sorry I don’t have more imagination. It’s one thing to suspend imagination for a stage musical done live–that’s part of what live theater is all about–suspending imagination and somehow believing that the fat woman on the stage really is starving because she’s so poor. But in a movie, which is all about realism, it’s more difficult to suspend imagination.

Frankly, I think Catholics should boycott the movie in protest. But from what I’ve seen of Les Miz lovers, they are willing to go through anything to see it.

Many great works of art and music that we celebrate as Catholics were created by people who were not always in accord with Church teachings. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, for one.

I don’t follow Ms. Hathaway’s personal life, but if she is in favor of gay marriage, yes she is in not in accord with the teaching of the Church. As far as I know, she is not actually in a gay marriage, she has simply expressed an opinion that is common in the entertainment industry. The prevalence of homosexuality in that field means that those who openly oppose gay marriage are unlikely to find work. If you were to cast Les Miserables only with performers who oppose gay marriage, it and its message of Catholic virtue would never be made.

Ms. Hathaway may well be a very good person in other aspects of her spiritual life. If she is kind and caring to other people but I often am unkind and snap at others, am I a better Catholic because I don’t disagree with the Church’s teaching on homosexual unions? If Ms. Hathaway gives a larger portion of her earnings to charity than I do, or if she is more diligent about attending mass than I am, if she has a closer relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments than I do, should I find still fault with her casting because I feel she is not a “good Catholic?” I have no idea what the rest of her life is like, and I suspect we are judged by the totality of our actions.

I do know that Ms. Hathaway has taken the opportunity of being cast as Fantine to speak out about the sexual trafficking of women, an evil which is often overlooked in our society but which has been a wrong that the Catholic Church has opposed throughout history - St. Augustine, St. Patrick, and St. Nicholas all fought against it, often at the risk of their lives, and Catholic Social Services and programs such as Project DIGNITY continue to do so. I would suggest that while I disagree with her support for homosexual marriage, she seems to be trying to support other issues on which she and the Church agree.

 

[yellowbird]

Our family saw it last night - really enjoyed it. Nothing beats a live performance - but the movie was well made. The actors aren’t broadway singers, but they could hold their own. I was a little worried that Hollywood would somehow muddle up the Chrisitan elements but they got it right. Anne H may not be a stellar singer, but she can act her socks off. Really moving performance. As always, I had a hard time understanding the lyrics to Master of the House - a song I love. It usually sounds a litle garbled - this version was better but again, not perfect. That must be a really hard song to enunciate?

Thought Russel Crow was only so-so as Javert - not dark or bitter enough for me; he just seemed like a guy doing his job. I’ve seen his character portrayed with much greater complexity in local community theater. Was disappointed Hugh Jackman didn’t flash his number in the trial scene - was waiting for that, his pecs being what they are, but otherwise, no complaints.

in my Les Mis lovers opinion, as you may have guessed by my signature.

 

[yellowbird]

Ms. Hathaway may well be a very good person in other aspects of her spiritual life. If she is kind and caring to other people but I often am unkind and snap at others, am I a better Catholic because I don’t disagree with the Church’s teaching on homosexual unions? If Ms. Hathaway gives a larger portion of her earnings to charity than I do, or if she is more diligent about attending mass than I am, if she has a closer relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments than I do, should I find still fault with her casting because I feel she is not a “good Catholic?” I have no idea what the rest of her life is like, and I suspect we are judged by the totality of our actions.

 

[Cat]

Many great works of art and music that we celebrate as Catholics were created by people who were not always in accord with Church teachings. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, for one.

I don’t follow Ms. Hathaway’s personal life, but if she is in favor of gay marriage, yes she is in not in accord with the teaching of the Church. As far as I know, she is not actually in a gay marriage, she has simply expressed an opinion that is common in the entertainment industry. The prevalence of homosexuality in that field means that those who openly oppose gay marriage are unlikely to find work. If you were to cast Les Miserables only with performers who oppose gay marriage, it and its message of Catholic virtue would never be made.

Ms. Hathaway may well be a very good person in other aspects of her spiritual life. If she is kind and caring to other people but I often am unkind and snap at others, am I a better Catholic because I don’t disagree with the Church’s teaching on homosexual unions? If Ms. Hathaway gives a larger portion of her earnings to charity than I do, or if she is more diligent about attending mass than I am, if she has a closer relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments than I do, should I find still fault with her casting because I feel she is not a “good Catholic?” I have no idea what the rest of her life is like, and I suspect we are judged by the totality of our actions.

I do know that Ms. Hathaway has taken the opportunity of being cast as Fantine to speak out about the sexual trafficking of women, an evil which is often overlooked in our society but which has been a wrong that the Catholic Church has opposed throughout history - St. Augustine, St. Patrick, and St. Nicholas all fought against it, often at the risk of their lives, and Catholic Social Services and programs such as Project DIGNITY continue to do so. I would suggest that while I disagree with her support for homosexual marriage, she seems to be trying to support other issues on which she and the Church agree.

Anne Hathaway left the Catholic Church years ago: nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2010/02/anne_hathaway_leaves_catholic.html

Because she is so admired, especially by younger people, she has a tremendous influence on culture, especially in the United States. Do not underestimate her influence, or the influence of any actor. I would venture a guess that more people in the U.S. know who Anne Hathway is than know who Joseph Ratzinger is.

But I agree with others in this thread–if you avoided all the movies, plays, and television shows that featured actors who deliberately do damage to Christianity and deliberately make a choice to disregard traditional Christian morals and teachings, you would avoid almost all movies, plays, and television shows. I don’t do that, although I do avoid works that include certain actors that I feel cross a line. Anne Hathaway is one of those line-crossers in my book.

 

[HansTrappist]

Our family saw it last night - really enjoyed it. Nothing beats a live performance - but the movie was well made. The actors aren’t broadway singers, but they could hold their own. I was a little worried that Hollywood would somehow muddle up the Chrisitan elements but they got it right. Anne H may not be a stellar singer, but she can act her socks off. Really moving performance. As always, I had a hard time understanding the lyrics to Master of the House - a song I love. It usually sounds a litle garbled - this version was better but again, not perfect. That must be a really hard song to enunciate?

Thought Russel Crow was only so-so as Javert - not dark or bitter enough for me; he just seemed like a guy doing his job. I’ve seen his character portrayed with much greater complexity in local community theater. Was disappointed Hugh Jackman didn’t flash his number in the trial scene - was waiting for that, his pecs being what they are, but otherwise, no complaints.

in my Les Mis lovers opinion, as you may have guessed by my signature.

I really enjoyed it.

Great performances all around. Especially Jackman and Hathaway. But I thought the scene-stealers were the child actors Isabelle Allen (young Cosette) and Daniel Huttlestone (Gavroche). Do they give Oscars to children?

One other observation. I went to a showing with a full house, mostly a younger crowd - the “cool” crowd. It was interesting watching their reaction to some of the scenes with mention of God and Lucifer and Sin and Redemption and the like. It was like some people just didn’t feel comfortable with all those references to God and were sort of squirming in their seats at first. But by the end of the movie most of those same people were crying like babies. Rather interesting dynamic.

All in all an excellent movie: excellent performances, excellent direction, breathtaking cinematography, costumes and attention to historical detail.

 

[dixieagle]

I really enjoyed it.

Great performances all around. Especially Jackman and Hathaway. But I thought the scene-stealers were the child actors Isabelle Allen (young Cosette) and Daniel Huttlestone (Gavroche). Do they give Oscars to children?

One other observation. I went to a showing with a full house, mostly a younger crowd - the “cool” crowd. It was interesting watching their reaction to some of the scenes with mention of God and Lucifer and Sin and Redemption and the like. It was like some people just didn’t feel comfortable with all those references to God and were sort of squirming in their seats at first. But by the end of the movie most of those same people were crying like babies. Rather interesting dynamic.

All in all an excellent movie: excellent performances, excellent direction, breathtaking cinematography, costumes and attention to historical detail.

I can’t wait to see this. I’ve seen the play on Broadway and elsewhere several times and find the story and the music incredibly moving, especially the final scene. I blubber every time and always thought I was odd; apparently I’m not the only one.

The Christian themes in this story are clear and powerful; who knows what impact it might have on lukewarm believers and non-believers? If we deny ourselves a movie like this because of some misguided actors, then we have missed out on something special. We have to remember that God sometimes draws straight with crooked lines.

 

[KCT]

As Language and Literature grad, I felt obliged to watch.

After learning Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter were singing Master of the House… now I’ve GOT to watch this!!!

Those two were fantastic in their roles!!

 

[Arizona_Mike]

We saw it yesterday and I loved it.

I’ve seen the play and heard a couple of different casts do the soundtrack, and read the novel. Whenever you know a story well, and then see it finally committed to film, you always tend to wish they would emphasize certain things, or do things in a different way, but I’m amazed at how good this was.

I loved the heart and soul of Catholicism, especially during Valjean’s soliloquy as he converts. The Church is always seen as a place of kindness and refuge and healing (the Bishop’s house, the hospital where he takes Fantine, the convent where he seeks refuge with the young Cosette and the convent where Valjean goes at the end), the images of Christ and the Cross are seen throughout the film. I’m one of those people who get a little teary-eyed despite being a big guy, and I was really weeping in the last scene. I highly recommend it.

 

[Aggie414]

Saw it yesterday, and loved it!!! I’ve seen the musical seven times, and watched the two anniversary celebration DVDs more times than I can count.

The one “scene” that I absolutely loved was every time Jean Valjean moved, he kept the two candlesticks and the crucifix with him – he apparently had sold everything else – to remind him of the love and kindness shared by the bishop. What a beautiful homage to a kindness shown.

 

[dixieagle]

Saw it yesterday, and loved it!!! I’ve seen the musical seven times, and watched the two anniversary celebration DVDs more times than I can count.

The one “scene” that I absolutely loved was every time Jean Valjean moved, he kept the two candlesticks and the crucifix with him – he apparently had sold everything else – to remind him of the love and kindness shared by the bishop. What a beautiful homage to a kindness shown.

Absolutely!

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” If we turn our noses up at a movie with this as its central message - in this day and age - then we deserve the rot that Hollywood often turns out.

 

[Matthew91]

Perhaps one of my favorite scenes from the film was when Javert pins his medal on Gavroche…let the tears flow.