My wife and I recently went to see Les Miserables. I have never seen a live performance of the play, but I know the story and the music. I've read the book by Victor Hugo and I've been listening to the music for many years and it seems to me the music basically tells the story, though there are a few sections of speech that help tie some of it together. I love the story.
And I LOVED the movie! When it was over, I just sat there and listened to the music as the credits ran. I love the way it ends.
I was really impressed by the singing from some well known actors. I thought Hugh Jackman was fantastic as Valjean. I think Valjean's character is the most wonderful element of the story. And Jackman did a great job bringing it to life. There are parts of the story that are so painful and revolting that I sort of shrank inside myself when they came on the screen. But without the negative, the resolution wouldn't be nearly so sweet.
Fantine is probably the most tragic character in the story, but it's Eponine's story that really gets me choked up. Coming from a disgusting upbringing, her unrequited love is so sweetly tragic that I get tears in my eyes when I listen to a good rendition of 'On My Own' ... and the actress in the film did a GREAT job with that song! She had a beautiful voice and she loaded that scene with pathos. With that as background, another song that brings tear to my eyes is 'A Little Fall of Rain' and once again, the film came through.
But although I love Eponine's story, Valjean is my favorite character. His honor, courage, integrity, and virtue seem to rise to every challenge to tempt him into betraying those principles. After a formative experience with a godly man, the Bishop of Digne, Valjean seems impossibly steeled against all evil both within and without. The musical shows his struggles; he's no Superman. But I find myself cheering him on as he faces incredibly difficult choices and consistently makes the honorable choice. Jackman did a great job showing the emotion associated with making those tough choices. And Valjean offers me, at least, an example of what it's like to be a morally upright hero in a sometimes debauched and unjust world.
The scene at the end is my absolute favorite. After everything he has been through, after all the injustice suffered by multiple characters, the ending shows a place where wrongs are made right and where all who have suffered find peace. I love the way the words are changed from what was a rousing military song earlier in the play to a rousing song that rejoices in the freedom that comes to those who choose good over evil. Even though justice isn't always done here, the end of the play points to a place where justice will ultimately be done. And as Valjean steps into that place, I feel an incredible resolution to all of the evil that went before and I get this exultant feeling that freedom and joy, so often denied to so many, will ultimately be granted to those who honestly seek it. I look forward to finding that place someday myself.
Another great scene that brought tears to my eyes was 'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables'. The guy who played Marius was really fantastic. Great voice!
If you've seen the movie, the play, or just like the music, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to comment.
