Les Misérables (2012)

Even people who dislike musicals stop in front of this film. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables has a history of decades on the stage — and when Tom Hooper filmed it in 2012, he made an important choice: he had the actors sing live on location during actual filming. Not post-production dubbing but live vocals on the day. That choice changed the emotional density of the entire film. My rating is ★4.5. In particular, one scene with Anne Hathaway is among the most intense few minutes of the entire film.

What it’s about — Jean Valjean Unfolding in Song

Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who served nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, reclaims his human dignity after his release. Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe), who pursues him relentlessly, the sacrificial Fantine (Anne Hathaway) who gives everything for her daughter Cosette, and Marius and Cosette who tend love amid revolutionary flames — all of these stories unfold as song against the backdrop of nineteenth-century France. Given the musical source, most of the dialogue is sung, which may initially feel unfamiliar to audiences not accustomed to musicals.

Direction — Live Vocals and Close-Ups

Tom Hooper’s most prominent directorial choice is the close-up. The approach of framing actors’ faces at extreme proximity completely changes the experience of listening to a song. Rather than watching an actor from a distance at the theatre, this creates the sensation of almost directly encountering their tears and breath. There is criticism that this approach is excessive, but it is also a clear demonstration of what cinema as a medium can add to a musical source. The way that the vast scale of the revolution sequences and the intimate emotions of individuals coexist within one film is impressive.

Performance — Anne Hathaway in a Single Take

Anne Hathaway performing “I Dreamed a Dream” as Fantine is a scene shot on a single fixed camera take during actual filming. That roughly five-minute sequence leading to an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress — among other prizes — is not hyperbole. She actually cut her hair during the shoot for real. Hugh Jackman builds Jean Valjean’s transformation across decades from the inside out. Russell Crowe received divided reviews for his singing, but his realisation of the character’s cold conviction was solid.

What the film says — Redemption Between Rules and Mercy

Les Misérables is a story about the possibility of redemption. The collision between Javert, who crushes human beings in the name of law, and Jean Valjean, who has recovered his humanity through grace, is not simply a pursuit. Between rules and mercy — which makes a human being more human? The film delivers a clear answer to that question while also showing tragically why Javert cannot accept that answer. The way the fervour of the French Revolution and individual emotion interlock gives you a sense of the depth of the source novel.

Ratings & reception

TMDB score is 7.3. IMDb is 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes freshness 70% — critical reception was somewhat divided. The Academy Awards saw the film nominated in eight categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, with three wins including Anne Hathaway’s Best Supporting Actress. The box office was also strong, grossing over $440 million worldwide.

What doesn’t work

Criticism of Russell Crowe’s singing was widespread from the time of release. Technically it falls short of being severely deficient, but the overwhelming vocal power and emotion expected from a musical film was the dominant consensus assessment. Some mid-section stretches of the 158-minute runtime also feel like they lose energy. Viewers unfamiliar with musicals may need time to adjust to a format that progresses entirely through song.

Verdict

Les Misérables is a film that proves how emotionally powerful a musical can be. For Anne Hathaway’s single scene alone, this film is worth watching. Whether you know the source musical or not, whether you normally enjoy musical films or not — very few people will be able to remain completely unmoved before this film.

Recommended for

• Those who love musical films or want to try them
• Viewers who want to witness Anne Hathaway’s acting range
• Those who want a grand story about human dignity and redemption