Les Misérables

I dreamed a dream.

Les Misérables is a beautiful adaptation of the stage musical, the cast and direction are both astounding, each with their own amazing attributes that help this phenomenon be the masterpiece that it is.

Throughout the film, you are taken in and out of the various stories for the different characters, through their lives. It is done in such a way that all of these stories fit together beautifully, so that you can understand what is happening as the film progresses. The cast is well chosen, they all bring something different and something wonderful to their roles. Hugh Jackman excels as the convict Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway portrays the troubles of Fantine exquisitely, Russell Crowe surprisingly sings extremely well as soldier Javert. Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham-Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried and Samantha Barks all sing and act wonderfully as they all hold their own opposite the bigger stars of the film.

What makes this film unique is that all of the singing is done live whilst filming, instead of being pre-recorded with the actors miming the words. This was a gamble by Director Tom Hooper, a gamble that paid off incredibly well. As it is a musical that requires a lot of emotion and expression, this technique worked incredibly well, because the audience can not only hear the emotion, but can see it as well.You believe the film more because of that added dose of emotion and realism. Along with the singing being effective, the direction of the film itself is incredibly brilliant. Through closely focusing on the actors faces whilst they sing, Tom Hooper captures their raw emotions so that the audience can connect with them more.

Overall, this film is a beautiful adaptation of the stage musical. It captures the drama, action and emotions needed to make it an effective film and a spellbinding musical.