Les misérables (1995) Reviews

• Superior Rendering of the Hugo Classic

  jhclues2001-04-25

  Carried on the winds of fate, injustice often settles upon the poor and downtrodden, whose only link to salvation may lie in the truth they carry in their hearts and the manifested courage of their convictions. And sometimes that quest for justice and truth must be mounted against all odds, as in this 1995 version of `Les Miserables,' written for the screen and directed by Claude Lelouch. An imaginative retelling of the Hugo classic, Lelouch updates the story to the Twentieth Century, beginning with the stroke of midnight that ushers in the New Era. It's an inauspicious beginning of a new year for Henri Fortin (Jean-Paul Belmondo), however, as he becomes a victim of circumstance and is convicted of a crime he did not commit. As he goes off to prison, he leaves behind a wife and a young son (also named Henri), who must fend for themselves as best they can. It leads to a miserable existence for all concerned, but steels the young Henri for what is yet to come, and he quickly learns that when things seemingly cannot get any worse, they not only can, but do. Ultimately, this becomes the story of the young Henri, whom we next encounter at the end of World War I. Now a boxer, he is soon to become a contender. By 1931, however (when we next meet him), that part of his life is behind him as well, and he has become a furniture mover; and with his own truck, he is able to at least make a passable living. But at this point, we are introduced to Andre Ziman (Michel Boujenah) who has just met the soon-to-be Mme Ziman (Alessandra Martines), who by the beginning of the Second World War are destined, along with their young daughter, Salome (Salome), to become an integral part of Henri's (also played by Jean-Paul Belmondo) life. Henri, like his father, is illiterate; and when circumstances bring him together with the Ziman's, he is inadvertently introduced to Hugo's novel, and soon begins to realize how his own life parallels that of, initially, Cosette, and later-- and most significantly-- Jean Valjean. When they end up taking a journey together, Henri implores Ziman to read the story to him as they travel. And it's as if in the words of Hugo and the life of Jean Valjean, Henri discovers within himself all that is good and worthwhile. Lelouch has crafted and delivered a poignant version of the familiar tale of injustice and perseverance that borders on the profound. By interspersing scenes of the Hugo story as they are being read to Henri (in which Belmondo is Jean Valjean), we see the parallels being drawn even as they become clear to Henri. The film is fraught with irony and succinctly captures the essence of Hugo's novel; it's as if Lelouch had been possessed of Hugo's spirit when he wrote the screenplay, as well as later when he brought his vision to fruition, the finished product of which has to rank among the best interpretations of the story ever. The supporting cast includes Annie Girardot (Farmer's Wife), Philippe Leotard (Farmer), Clementine Celarie (Mme Fortin), Philippe Khorsand (Javert), Nicole Croisille (Thenardiere), Rufus (Thenardier), William Leymergie (Toureiffel) and Micheline Presle (Mother Superior). An emotionally engaging, riveting drama that will sweep you up and carry you away, `Les Miserables' is a tale of dignity and courage, and of what it takes to overcome betrayal and injustice. But even more than that, it's a study of morality; of right against wrong and of good that in the end must triumph over evil. A superior cinematic rendering of the classic story, this film-- especially for those to who love the novel-- is not to be missed. I rate this one 10/10.

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• a stunning accomplishment

  RKIRCHHOFF2002-12-19

  one of the greatest French films of the last few decades yet, sadly, a film almost entirely overlooked by most critics...including the Lelouch-bashers of the contemporary French film industry. make no mistake: most of those who have seen it--certainly everyone I know who has seen it--tend to regard it as a genuine classic of world cinema and the finest film of the year of its release. powerful, skillful and impassioned, I can recommend it without reservation. a triumph for all concerned.

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• Genius

  josie-breen2004-05-12

  This film is fantastic - I hope to find a DVD of it. My husband didn't fancy it but within 10 minutes was transfixed, and it's now one of his favourite films. It requires concentration because of the different story strands (and the fact that Jean-Paul Belmondo plays different characters in different stories) but the reward is great. It does capture the polarised human aspects of those who are selfless and help others at great danger to themselves, and those who exploit or betray others for their own gain. Truly unique.

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• A masterpiece.

  RKIRCHHOFF2002-03-18

  Remarkable...one of the greatest films of the last 50 years and easily one of the most underrated. Commitment and heart, Victor Hugo and the Normandy Invasion on a budget of under 10 million? Hollywood should learn from this...

• Stayed with me long after it ended

  Mitch-382000-05-21

  In a word...wow! Entertaining, haunting and enchanting film which intertwines the Victor Hugo novel with twentieth century events. The complexities of the human condition (which French filmakers tend to excel in over their American counterparts) are explored. Human emotions and logic struggle for control in every situation, and this beautiful story delves deep. It's an old struggle, true...yet rarely done so well. The protagonist (Jean Paul Belmondo was born to play this role)Henri Fortin, struggles from his impoverished childhood to his adulthood where the struggle for criminality and nobleness compete heavily. His story and that of Valjean from the novel compliment and collide. The people and the situations he encounters, all involve themselves in a montage of life and experiences. LES MISERABLES is a unique, beautiful and complex story about a simple man. It unflinchingly exposes the good and evil that can arise from the human soul, in the worst of circumstances. This film that should not be overlooked on your next trip to the video store, or if you're lucky enough, a large screen viewing at a cinema.

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