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So I saw Les Miserables today
I’m going to put this out there. I am not the most knowledgeable fan of Les Mis that’s out there xD Aside from the musical itself, I’ve only seen a couple movie adaptations and snippets of others. I never read the book but from what I could understand is there’s a looooooot of goings on in that story.
I am going to say this now. I loved this movie adaptation of the musical. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Could they have done better? Definitely. But the good points heavily outweigh the bad points. And I am so glad it exists.
Things I loved:
1) Anne Hathaway as Fantine. Easily my favorite part in the movie (tho her runner-up was VERY close, whom I’ll get to soon). She put so much heart into this role and if she doesn’t get some kind of award for this, I’m going to be more disappointed in humanity than usual xD Obviously no one knows what she did to play this part right, and they need to make themselves aware of it LOL She sang my favorite song of the musical, I Dreamed a Dream, and I was so freaking impressed that 2/3’s of that song were done all in one take. I was STUNNED by the time I had realized it, it was like “That camera didn’t take its focus off her for one second and it was wonderful.” That part didn’t even have me bawling. The rest of her part killed me, in the best way possible xD
2) Eddie Redmayne as Marius. I was pleasantly surprised by him. I hadn’t seen any of his other movies, but I noticed people were groaning when they found out he was in it? I didn’t understand, but he did not disappoint. The funny thing is, his role isn’t the most interesting in the entire musical, and yet when he sang Empty Chairs and Empty Tables, he broke my heart, okay?
3) Anything the kid in the bright red coat did. His name escapes me, but I don’t think he had one. He was the leader of the little group of revolutionaries and he did no wrong in my eyes. I loved everything he did xD And when his friend came up and joined him when they were cornered… ugh, that was <3 I can't say anything more on it haha
4) Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as Mr. and Mrs. Thenardier. Now they weren’t my favorite, cuz I’m kind of used to them being… fat? I dunno, I guess I thought they were too pretty for the roles even with all that ugly makeup LOL But they made my second favorite song Master of the House really fun. Howwwwwever, I guess I kind of wanted my Madame Thenardier a little more boisterous? Other than her solo, I really liked them the rest of the time haha.
5) Eponine. I was just glad they included her this time xD I think she deserved better, as always (not as the character so much as she deserved more emotional time) but I’m still glad she was there at all cuz people forget her for some unknown reason and she’s part of why I like this musical so much.
Some nitpicks:
1) Cut the crap with this whole “two and a half hour restrictions” bull. Anyone seeing Les Miserables should go in being ready for a three hour movie. I didn’t get a SINGLE warning before seeing Return of the King, okay? So people can suck it up to enjoy a decent movie adaptation to a long-ass musical. Because all of that crazy editing nearly killed some of the scenes, especially the more powerful ones. That song you added for whatever reason could’ve saved you alot of impact time if you didn’t add it :I
2) To go along with the time restrictions and editing, cutting so close after songs let hardly any emotion sink in. Here I am, slammed in the face with feelings, BUT HOLD ON A SECOND, WE GOTTA GO TO THIS SCENE CUZ WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME. Psh, stupid. Don’t worry, the emotion’s still there, you’re just not allowed to feel it as long as you’re comfortable with.
3) Russel Crowe? I’m certain some joe from any of the broadway musicals would’ve happily taken the role of Javert from him if you had offered it to him. Russel Crowe, you’re a great actor. But you’re not a great actor for everything. Javert and Robin Hood to name a couple.
Some things I wish they had done different, but am okay with how they did it because it’s a movie and not a musical:
1) I wish they had given the characters (actors?) something to do during long solos, because pacing isn’t always interesting to watch.
2) Done something different with Javert’s death. I really didn’t want to be clutching my wincing body during this movie, I deserved something emotional xD
3) Part of why Gavroche’s death in the musical is so powerful is because you don’t see it happening.
4) Despite how filthy the sewers were shown, I didn’t really feel like Valjean’s trek through them in the movie was as bone-breaking as in the musical. I know, time constraints, yada yada, but still.
5) Valjean’s ending… wasn’t he supposed to be older? I dunno.
Anyway. Overall, I’m buying this movie. Despite it’s flaws, I recommend seeing it. If you don’t see the movie, see the musical. I probably wouldn’t recommend buying the movie’s soundtrack, because everyone singing in this movie isn’t necessarily singing their best because they’re supposed to be in heart-wrenching emotional pain that the visuals help with. Personally.
I don’t recommend seeing this if you’re looking for something uplifting. It’s not Passion of the Christ or Game of Thrones when it comes to making you depressed, but it is called Les Miserables for a reason xD If you hate musicals, don’t even bother. But you’re missing out and limiting yourself. I don't recommend seeing this if you're a child. You won't understand it.
Again, yes it has it’s flaws, but they’re not too great or many to distract from the good parts.
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