The last thing one would expect to be good is the soundtrack, but its fantastic. Actors such as Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway skillfully sing songs with charisma and devotion. Some songs being stronger than others creates a real catastrophe for this film, but as a whole, the soundtrack is great. It enhances this film’s quality to another level. The songs work tremendously when they are needed, such as in the ending of this film.
Hugh Jackman delivers what may be his best performance ever. He is the heart and soul of “Les Miserables”, carrying the movie on his back. Whats most astonishing about his acting, apart from a well-captured personality and electric screen presence, is the actor’s ability to sing. Demanding, frustrated, and hopeless, he is in the role of a lifetime as Jean Valjean. The Academy Awards better draw their attention to Jackman, because he deserves a nomination and maybe even an award for this film.
Anne Hathaway is another strong standout. In a sad and heartbroken performance, she grasps the personality of a deprived lady with surprising ease. While she does not appear in the movie, as much as Jackman, Hathaway still deserves praise and recognition for her work here.
Russell Crowe is, as always, at the top of his game. As a ruthless police-officer, Crowe establishes charisma and complexity into the character. Despite having a stiff voice in his songs, the actor is top-notch in terms of the intense demeanor and personality he captures.
The rest of the cast includes a star-making performance from Eddie Redmayne, comically perfect duo Sacha Baron Cohen/Helena Bonham Carter and high convincing Amanda Seyfried.
“Les Miserables” is in a nutshell an impressive film, but not without flaws. It’s running time is much too overlong to bear, which starts to show during the movie’s last half hour. Even the pacing is messy. There are, on one hand, occasional moments of slow pacing, but on the other very fast-paced entertaining scenes. Does this affect the quality of the movie?
Absolutely and there is not denying it, but any fan of musicals will definitely adore this film. Yet even people that do not like the genre may still like this movie too.
Not a fan of musicals at all, I went into “Les Miserables” expecting the usual film that I would immediately dismiss, but I was completely wrong. Its not just a movie, its an unforgettable experience.
3.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 