Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne Shine in "Les Misérables"

Musicals are my least favorite movie genre and since I had never seen the Broadway production of Les Misérables, my interest in seeing the movie adaptation was minimal. However, after the film was nominated for countless awards, I had to see what all the fuss was about. While Les Misérables has not changed my mind about musicals, the film is well worth seeing, if only for the performances by talented cast, including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne.

The principal story is set in early nineteenth century France and centers around Jean Valjean (Jackman) a good natured man who spent many years in prison for a petty theft. After receiving parole, he starts a new life with a new identity, but the demons from his past, one in the form of prison guard Jarvert (Russell Crowe), continue to haunt him. Since his parole, Valjean has become a successful businessman and is a model citizen. He cannot bear to see injustice prevail and, as a result, he becomes involved in the life of a former employee, Fantine (Hathway), who is trying to earn enough money to support her illegitimate daughter, Cosette, who is being cared for by a dubious couple. Valjean promises to help Fantine and Cosette, but a serious illness soon takes Fantine's life. Undeterred, the wealthy Valjean finds Cosette and becomes a father figure throughout her life and provides for her every need.

The forever vigilant Valjean runs into Javert on several occasions, thus forcing him and Cosette to move from place to place to maintain their freedom. As the young woman becomes an adult, love beckons in the form of an idealistic student, Marius Pontmercy (Eddie Redmayne), but the road to love and happiness is a long and difficult one. Making matters more troubling is the beginning of a revolt against the French government, which finds Marius heavily involved with the violent uprising. However, Valjean intervenes once again to do what is best for Cosette because he understands that the two youngsters are very much in love and have been needlessly kept apart. His continued sacrifice is admirable and he is determined to keep his promise to Fantine. 

Director Tom Hooper has assembled a terrific cast and elicits strong performances from many of them. While Anne Hathaway has received a great deal of attention for her work as the doomed Fantine, Hugh Jackman and Eddie Redmayne are also spectacular. I was aware of Jackman's acting range, but he managed to surprise me anyway with his aching, believable and physically impressive portrayal of Jean Valjean, which may be his best work to date. In addition, Eddie Redmayne, who has toiled in Independent films for some time, may finally break out with his emotionally layered performance as Marius. Redmayne possesses strong vocal skills and displays solid chemistry with Cosette (Amanda Seyfried). Of course, it is Hathaway who belts out "I Dreamed a Dream" and she also makes the most of the small amount of screen time that she is given. Her performance is deeply moving, tragic and unforgettable.The very serious and often depressing subject matter is, thankfully, offset when Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen appear as Thénardier and Madame Thénardier, respectively. Their thin veneers cannot hide the fact that they are scoundrels who only look out for themselves, but the comic relief they provide is necessary and appreciated.

Of course, it is the music that is the center of film's success and, for the most part, it works wonderfully. I suppose I was not prepared for how much singing was involved throughout the film, but it did not take long to adjust. To his credit, Tom Hooper keeps the film moving along, but I did feel that it ran a bit long. For instance, the scenes featuring Javert and Valjean felt all too familiar after a while, with the same general outcome, until late in the film, when two events change the course of Javert's life forever. On the other hand, Hooper's attention to detail with the technical aspects of the film, including costume design, set design and make-up, is sensational. 

I largely credit Hugh Jackman with my overall positive opinion of Les Misérables. He is simply outstanding from start to finish by delivering a multi-layered performance and showcasing his considerable and varied talents. I doubt that there is anything Jackman cannot do well and if he is regularly cast in movie musicals I may be more inclined to see them in the future. The thing that surprised me the most about Les Misérables is the hopeful, even positive vibe that I felt as it concluded. With subject matter this dark, I am not sure how it is possible not to feel depressed or sad, but I did not. I guess that is the magic of film making.