MOVIE REVIEW: 'Les Misérables,' Le Must

Known on the inside as nothing but prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) has been locked away for 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family. Upon his release, he has been marked as a dangerous convict and fails to find work or shelter. Having no choice, in order to survive, he steals expensive silver from the church that gives him refuge. Valjean, is immediately caught and taken before the very priest of the church that takes him in. Being a man of God, the priest saves Valjean, telling the law enforcement officers that he gave the silverware to him as a present.

Seeing such kindness from strangers, Valjean vows to turn his life around, and make something of himself. He makes good on his promise to himself, and to God. However, this vow comes with one last sin; Valjean breaks parole and changes his identity in order to start fresh.

The story unfolds as Valjean has now become mayor of a small town outside Paris, he also owns a factory where clothing is made. He comes to the aid of one of his workers named Fantine (Anne Hathaway) and vows to take her daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) out of slavery and keep her safe.

The film takes you on a musical journey as Valjean and Cosette must live their lives on the run, as officer Javert (Russell Crowe) is hunting them down.

The film is unlike any other musical to date, as it uses innovative camera angles to capture first person emotion and make the scenes all the more real. One of the biggest things that the film has done is to have all actors sing live during their scenes. This certainly gives the film a more dramatic and real effect. This new style of film making, also gives the actors more freedom to sing with their own pace, rhythm, style and emotion.

The feature is quite long and intricate, and lasts roughly 2.5 hours. The star studded cast keeps you enthralled throughout. The comic relief of cast members Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham-Carter is superb. This film was most definitely cast to perfection.

Anne Hathaway is down right phenomenal in her part as Fantine. Her acting is moving, and her singing is incredible. The raw emotion and great presence that Hathaway has on screen is undeniable. Oscar buzz should most likely pick up for her, the longer this movie is out.

If singing isn't your forte, then be warned. The singing to actual dialogue ratio is one thing I seemed to find a little off putting. Many of the scenes with short banter is sung, and almost takes away from the seriousness of the moment. However, the singing is good and the actors all did a great job with this interesting style of cinematography.

Definitely a must see. The story of Jean Valjean and Cosette is a remarkable one, and viewers will certainly not be disappointed.

I give it 5 stars out of 5!

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