Movie review: 'Les Misérables' soars as big-screen musical

By Blair Howell, For the Deseret News

Published: Thursday, Dec. 20 2012 5:15 p.m. MST

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Summary

Opening Christmas Day, the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway’s “Les Miserables” is a landmark achievement in musicals.

The director makes a bold choice to balance the large-scale scope of “Les Misérables.” Hooper’s extreme close-ups and uninterrupted takes for the musical numbers deepen the audience’s empathy and spiritual resonance — to the point of being emotionally draining — for each of the characters played by these actors. With the exception of Russell Crowe.

Parents should be aware that “Les Misérables” is with reason rated PG-13. The central element is a bloody rebellion for freedom, with prostitution of early 19th century French slums an essential factor to the storytelling. But there is no intent to be exploitative.

Cineastes will quibble, but movie musical fans will be enraptured. “Les Misérables” is beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting and masterfully produced. And this heart is full of love, Tom Hooper.

Content advisory: suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements

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Ballplayer

Spanish Fork, UT

So, what did you think of Russell Crowe. I couldn't quite tell from the review.

10:38 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012
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MSW Professor LCSW Provo

Provo, UT

Shocked--brought our entire family to Les Mis tonight having seen it in 5 countries 15 times (the broadway musical version--including Paris). It's rated PG 13 but should have been R rated. NOT APPROPRIATE for young and old viewers (ME). More..

11:33 p.m. Dec. 25, 2012
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jfarker

Temecula, CA

What I still don't know is this: Did Russell Crowe sing poorly, was his acting bad, or was he just average as compared to the others who were amazing?

12:08 a.m. Dec. 21, 2012
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