Les Miserables (2012)Movie Reviews

  • Must Go! Based on 37,637 reviews
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    Written December 26, 2012

    PLEASE, fix the vocals!

    by Hukilau

    This could be the greatest movie ever made. Rather than the story, however, what made me cry were the weak, off-key, shrill, forced vocals between the major production numbers. It's not too late. Rush back to the studio and give us something that will last for the ages. Please!!!

    • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by

    This just did not work. If you are a fan of this musical then you will not like this movie. The actors barely sing the songs. The best cinematography is in the trailer. The rest is not interesting. The natural camera movements and music video fast editing made me angry. This is an embarrassing mess.

    • 10 out of 14 found this review helpful.
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  • So-so
    Written December 27, 2012

    Hope they have good cushions in the seats

    by Toothpilot

    We have been fans of Les Miz from its opening over twenty years ago. Of course one does not expect a movie version to be the same. Admirable that the Director would choose to have the actors sing during takes rather than lip sync. Looked good, sounded blah. The magnitude of the scenes was breathtaking.! There can be no doubt that this was an excellent film with accurate visual details. I felt transported to events preceeding the Revolution. I wish they were less graphic in the violence. Javier's suicide didn't need the cracked back to be effective.
    Sadly, the musical seems completely lost in the thrill of making a megazillion dollar cinema. Hugh's voice was so nasal that Willie Nelson would have sounded like Pavorotti. When Russell Crowe sounds better than Wolverine, something just ain't right. If you're a fan, you gotta go, if not, don't let this disappointment stop you from seeing the real thing one day.
    As for cushions, my derrière was worn out long before they got to Paris

    • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 25, 2012

    Great supplement to the musical

    by MrNobody

    First of all, I have to agree with the previous reviewer that this is more of a film version of the famous 1980s musical instead of the original novel by Victor Hugo.

    With that in mind, I'd say this film is a great supplement to the musical. My wife is a huge fan of musicals, so she actually brought me to see the musical at Kennedy Center last year when it was the last stop of its 2012 US tour. I loved it, but it was a pitty that we could not afford to sit at better seats. Sound was great, the singing was great, but I could not see the acting and the settings in details because it was too darn far away (we paid ~100 for one ticket still).

    This movie actually filled that unfortunate pity of my musical experience. With less than 10% of the musical ticket price, the movie gave me full details of the 1830s France, when and where all the characters were and the story took place. It offered me the additional visionary effects to complete my own imagination and vision.

    • 18 out of 30 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by kathied924

    After seeing the Broadway play twice, I was hoping that the film would capture my heart as well. And it did. Remembering that it is a time piece, it showed the wretchedness of France in the 1800's, the suffering of the people under a horrible government, and the hopefulness in the hearts of the people for a better life one day. Each character is totally unique, the singing is beautiful, and I found this movie to be emotionally unforgettable. Ann Hathaway is deserving of any award for which she is nominated. The difference between the play and the movie??? The movie brings the characters face to face -- you see the pain, the anquish, the heartbreak, and the hope. I loved it. It will truly stay my favorite. Thank you Victor Hugo for putting this story to paper. And thanks to Claude-Michel Schönberg for the music, Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel for the French lyrics, and Herbert Kretzmer for the English adaptation. It is truly a work of art.

    • 8 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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  • Go
    Written December 27, 2012

    Excellent Performances by all except....

    by NAM0862

    Les Miserables is a most poignant story. The demand for vocal acuity in this film is imperative for the viewer to remain engaged and feel the emotional valeur. The performances were great, unfortunately, I found Crowe's inability to sing to distract me from the story as well as detach myself from feeling any sympathy for this character. Jackman's vocals were only slightly better that of Crowe's, and if these two characters were casted by two men that have the ability to sing, I would have enjoyed the movie that much more.

    As for Hathaway, her performance brought tears to my eyes - she is absolutely lovely.
    In fact, all other characters sang wonderfully and with such passion - I was enthralled
    Aside from the poor singing by both Crowe and Jackman, the movie is wonderful and entertaining but I will not watch it again because of these two actors - I will instead read the book by Victor Hugo.

    • 8 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Simply Amazing

    by

    I'd unfortunately never had the opportunity to see this on the stage, so admit that I have no comparisons. Coming into it as simply someone who has heard and loved the music of it though I was absolutely struck speechless by this movie and am pondering going to see it again while it's still in the theatres.

    • 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 30, 2012

    Beautifully done!!

    by quidam808

    Les Misérables has been my favorite play since it came out in 1985 and I have to say I had low expectations about the movie version, especially after the so-so movie adaptations of Phantom, Evita, and Sweeney Todd. I was wrong!! The movie version of Les Misérables was awesome!! The visuals were stunning and the acting/singing were superbly done. If any of you were on the fence about seeing the movie you should definitely go see it!

    • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written January 1, 2013

    Les Miserables

    by loves2cryatmovies

    Best Movie of the Year and a Must See for all. After the movie was over the first thought that came to me was when am I going to see it Again, preferrably in IMAX format. Hugh Jackman was phenomenal as Jean Val Jean. His voice is incredible and performance is quite moving. Ann Hathaway was very convincing as Fantine and her voice was beautiful. The idea to film the movie as each star sang was inspired because each song took on life of its own. The cinematography was beautiful and gave the movie a different perspective than the stage version. Ignore the negative reviews that Russell Crowe has received because he is great as Javert. The rest of the cast was terrific too. This is a Movie that cannot and should not be missed.

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 28, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by lindathorp

    this was a very unique film, the combination of the singing and the fantastic scenery with a cast of thousands made it a winner all the way around.

    • 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by ricmon

    I had seen this play in the theater and I wasn't sure how is would transfer onto film. I was pleasantly surprised. It evoked many emotions. The theater was completely packed, even though it was Christmas morning at 11:00. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drip. Tears flowed throughout the movie. If I had to pick one word to describe the movie, it would be POWERFUL!

    • 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written February 7, 2013

    Oh Dear God...

    by abfabwords

    The previews looked like they might actually pull this off - but I almost left the theatre!

    Hugh Jackman and Anne both did lovely performances - but an operetta, I did not know it was and the movie SO could have been better served by words instead of sing songy things to move the plot forward.

    I know many people loved the stage show, I have friends who went twice - but, as a huge fan of Stephen Sondheim - this musical just has none of the panache.

    It stands on 'grandeur' and it's huge following from the stage.

    Now, I know why I never saw it in the theatre. Glad I didn't pay $75 to see it!

    And, poor Russell Crowe, someone put him out of his misery - what were they thinking?

    Enough said ;-)

    jem

    • 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Rarely does a movie give the same passion as the Theater Musical

    by Lady_Heather

    The acting was wonderful.
    The singing being filmed live allowed for real emotions to come through.
    I cried in several places and got goose bumps in others.
    There were parts that made you laugh.
    This is in my opinion one of the best movies ever made.
    I felt like I was watching an amazing musical - not a movie.
    I highly suggest it and if you have seen the musical live before this will not disappoint you.

    • 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 28, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by skqroo

    I've seen the Bdwy. prod. 3 times, and played in the pit of a community prod. However, the movie turned into THE MOST moving and easiest to understand the in-depth storyline of all! The grandeur of the set gave more supportive background info necessary to understand the peoples' trials of the time. When you see it live you might read the synopsis before each act, but then when 9 -15 years go by, you might be caught off guard, and confused momentarily. The movie's transitions were more clear. The cinematography was awesome and varied: including pull aways, zoom in's, and action camera's running through the streets as characters. Acting was some of the most superb I can ever remember! Much had to do with the director's choice to have the singing be done LIVE in the filming! NOTHING like it before!! NOT meant for small children: length and dark story! If this doesn't win BEST PICTURE I'll quit caring about the OSCARS! It's EPIC! Russell Crow was weak as Javert (ONLY complaint)

    • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 28, 2012

    My son-in-law cried

    by lady-anne

    This movie is a must see for every fan of the play. The director has used the camera effectively to "open" the stage set. Paris becomes a character in the movie. The music is unquestionably the most beautiful..score and lyrics...anywhere, EVER!!! All of the actors are remarkable.
    If you don't, at the least, tear up several times, I don't know what to say. I, myself, went through five tissues. I was ready to go back to see it immediately.

    Just go!!!

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Les Miserables (2012) Movie Reviews + Ratings

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Laney_Geitgey Can't believe I just now saw Les Mis. Not ashamed to admit I cried my eyes out. The best movie ever. #LesMis

5 hours ago.

SiobhanClark93 Watched Les Miserables last night for the first time.......I have never cried so much at a film in my life. Such an amazing movie! #lesmis

1 days ago.

Showtime_Surrey The Les Mis Film DVD was released this week! I wonder who already has theirs! #lesmis #lesmisdvd

1 days ago.

321jenrolfe Watched Les Mis last night, longest movie I've watched since LOTR I think… Was quite good though #lesmis

2 days ago.

ashleighwalkerr Les Mis was a a really good film! Didn't expect to enjoy it that much! Bet it's amazing on the stage though! #lesmis

2 days ago.

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