Les Misérables

At first seemed pretty good, but my enthusiasm waned as it went on. 6 hours is too much. VERY glad there was no singing for a change!

It takes a while to mentally tune out the songs of the musical. Once I had, although it is well acted (given the cast available it should be), there is an issue. You either make this about real people, who act in a 'real' way or make them symbols of their respective character tropes. Take Javert - he's certainly determined to chase Valjean but why? If he feels personally wronged by Valjean, fine. If he is the personification of unfeeling law, also fine. You can't have both, without explanation.

The series is depressing and sobering. Dominic West was a marvelous standout as were the beauties, Lily Collins and Ellie Bamber. I can't remember a character I detested more than was played by Adeel Akhtar. Derek Jacobi also stands out. The story has been told so many times, but this one stands out a bit above the rest. A huge exceptional cast of characters. The music was often too somber. Some of the makeup was scary sick. A very well done grand period piece that was entirely worthwhile.

Un adattamento di cui non si sentiva il bisogno, che ha snaturato molti personaggi (Marius su tutti) e appiattito la trama. Ci sono alcune cose buone, ad esempio la Fantine di Lily Collins mi è piaciuta parecchio, ma nel complesso dimenticabile.

this is the first version of Les Miserables I have seen. Despite it being well acted and filmed, my over-riding feeling is what a ludicrous story this is! The idea that a prison guard would have a fixation about one prisoner for years (despite his promotion, having no proof or acusation of a crime against Petite Gervais, or that Paris was going to hell in a handcart) is just farcical. Javert had no believability, Fantine no common sense, and Valjean ? ... give the bloody candlesticks back!