Les Miserables (2012)Movie Reviews

  • Must Go! Based on 37,663 reviews
    Breakdown:
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    EPIC! Audience roared with applause!

    by jirwin69

    Seen the stage show 11 times...this was fantastic! BRAVISSIMO TO HUGH JACKMAN AND AARON TVEIT AND EDDIE REDMAYNE!
    BRAVISSIMA TO ANNE HATHAWAY AND SAMANTHA BARKS!

    IMHO, the close up camera shots were great, brought home the emotion for me more so than what a stage production can give. It will be a challenge to keep your tears at bay, so be forewarned that it is heartbreaking to watch at times! Heard sniffles all through the theatre and then was not expecting the outbreak of thunderous applause after the final chord.

    Is it perfect?...no, but as a classically trained singer and educator who has seen the show 11 times, I absolutely loved it. I can appreciate the technically and vocally demanding score and the talent that is required to bring it to fruition. This was a monumental task and I am happy to say WELL DONE!

    • 13 out of 17 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Overall great movie to see

    by

    I put a lot of hopes in this one, before I went. And I wasn't disappointed, almost... Let me quickly break it down: Cast was superb, singing performances were great, acting performances were awesome - Hugh Jackman might get 'the best actor' this year, directors decisions were very interesting, but too bad camera didn't catch all of that beauty too well... Don't get me wrong, cinematography was superb, but in certain shots it was overdone somehow. Like for instance: abuse of close-ups with a shallow depth of field. Steadicam shots were overused as well... But overall it is an instant classic. Go and see it!
    P.S. Went to see it for the second time :) The more I see it, the more I love it!

    • 13 out of 17 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 28, 2012

    Someone Give Anne Hathaway an Oscar!

    by MedRed

    If you're a fan of Les Miserables and/or musicals... this is a must go.
    If not, this may be a long movie for you.

    This rendition of Les Miserables does not follow the Broadway show or the novel verbatim. The general story is there, but several character relationships are disconnected from their as written roles. Despite being streamlined, the story is cohesive.

    The acting in this movie is beyond top shelf. That being said, Hugh Jackman has a tough time pulling off the vocals and Russell Crowe's characterization of Javert doesn't have the curt and clipped vocals expected of his character. Anne Hathaway absolutely steals the show with her performance. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter provided a nice touch of comedy.

    I found the visuals just ok, but I'm recently spoiled from the amazingly beautiful sets of Anna Karenina. That's less important as Les Miserables focuses heavily on the characters faces.

    If you like my reviews, add me as a fan. I'll add you back

    • 13 out of 18 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written January 4, 2013

    You've created a junkie

    by Happy_Hokie

    Having only seen the Liam Neeson movie version and having NOT seen the musical, I was surprised and stunned at how beautiful and moving this movie was. I have since become a Les Mis junkie (sorry to my poor husband) and now offer the following: I thought the vast majority of the actors sang their roles beautifully. Regarding Russell Crowe - he can carry a tune but don't feel he was great choice for Javert. In fact, I found it distracting to have him in the movie because no matter what, when you see him you just think, "Hey - there's Russell Crowe and he's singing. Why is he singing?" Samantha Barks was fantastic as Eponine. I loved her version of "On My Own." Sacha Baron Cohen was fantastic as Thenardier. I did find some of the group singing hard to understand. Cockney is difficult to understand when merely spoken, let alone sung. In the end, I was sobbing with everyone in the theater. Bring tissues.

    • 11 out of 15 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • So-so
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by ccidog4u

    I am such a fan of this musical. I have probably seen it about 40 times. I have seen it in London, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, etc.... I was totally shocked by the singing (or lack of singing) of the 2 main leads characters. I was not totally surprised by Russell Crowe since he is not a broadway singer but Hugh Jackman was a real disappointment. There were bound to have been better singers in Hollywood than these two men. This musical deserved strong singers which neither of them proved to be. I would rather they have used unknowns that could sing instead of name actors that couldn't.

    • 18 out of 29 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miz is one of the best movie versions of a musical EVER

    by Craig Stuart Wilson

    I've seen the Broadway or London version of this musical at least five times. What Tom Hooper accomplished with the large screen is to give you the close-ups and panoramic views of Paris that you can't get in a live production. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway are surely going to get Academy Award nominations. Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are fiendishly delightful. Russell Crowe holds his own, although he couldn't perform this role in a stage version as his voice isn't strong enough. Still, it's a wonderful story told wonderfully!

    • 9 out of 11 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • So-so
    Written December 31, 2012

    Les Miz

    by vano1944

    Les Miserables is one of my favorite musicals. Unfortunately, the film version did fulfill my expectations. It is a sad moment when a 10 year old sings better and more naturally than the lead character. Both Jackman and Crowe simply did not have the voice or skill to carry parts that require passionate, intense singing. They seemed as fixed as statutes when they needed to be animated.

    Anne Hathaway performed and sang well -- relief from the other performances and Eddie Redmayne was terrific.

    • 8 out of 9 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • I'm In
    Written December 26, 2012

    Bring tissue!

    by

    Don't know when I've cried more in a movie -- the performances were brilliant and the emotions they elicited were strong. The whole theater was sniffling! Don't go, though, if you don't like singing. Nearly every word is sung.

    • 11 out of 15 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miserables

    by bobhaviland

    I am 71 years old and this was my first musical to ever watch, anywhere. The movie is what my wife wanted for Christmas so this is what she got plus a nice dinner afterwards. (she also got a Mississippi River cruise)
    It took me about 30 minutes to figure out that all the characters were going to sing all their lines rather than speak. After this I sat back and really enjoyed the movie. I didn't want it to end.
    I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the movie. Every aspect of Les Miserables was great and I am glad I gave my wife a Christmas present that both of us enjoyed. (I'm also going to enjoy the river cruise with her.)
    Bravo to all involved with the movie!

    • 8 out of 9 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Les Miserable, what acting & movie making should be

    by

    Warning: Not for simple minds. If you do NOT like musicals, theater, or drama, wait for the dvd or don't watch. This is not your typical mindless, eye candy, mannequin acting. Les Miserable is ARTISTIC, a sample of what actors should be. Spoken dialogue is almost non-existent, the entire drama, unexplained politics & plot unfolds before you in the criminal baritone voice of Hugh Jackman- "Jean Valjean," (aka Prisoner 24601) & the shockingly beautiful voice of Anne Hathaway as the doomed "Fantine." These 2 alone, make the movie worth watching. I must admit I went in cynically assuming Anne would not meet my highest expectations, she exceeded them & I have a new respect for her. Russell Crowe - " Inspector Javert" amazing actor, but should not sing, gets a 10 for effort. Isabelle Allen-"young Cosette," beautiful acting & singing. Amanda Seyfried - Older Cosette, screeching voice, annoyed me. Samantha Barks - "Éponin" short lived character, but she is great.
    Overall: I LOVE IT!

    • 22 out of 37 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • 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.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • 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.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Very Emotional

    by arosen3087

    I have seen and enjoyed the Broadway show twice, which I loved mainly due to the haunting music. I didn't know what to expect, especially with Ann Hathaway who did not seem like a Fontine-type. However, I have to say that I was blown away with her performance and with the movie in general.

    The experience was a lot more emotional up close in the movie seeing the facial expressions, the poverty of the people, the unique building of the barricade, etc I did not stop crying the entire second half of the movie, but it was a satisfying type of emotional release, if that makes sense.

    The only negatives: Russell Crowe as the inspector was not a strong character, although he looked good, as usual. Also, the ending scene was a little too "Hollywoodish'". Other than that, a highly recommended experience.

    • 10 out of 14 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • 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.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No
  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    True to Broadway production

    by czakemerick

    A superb production of the stage musical. Makes it more personal and meaningful. The live singing performances are awesome and bring tears to your eyes. For a major Les Miserables fan it is THE BEST! Oscar worthy for Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and for Best Picture! Will definetly see it again!

    • 9 out of 12 found this review helpful.
    • Was this helpful to you? 
    • Yes
    • No

Les Miserables (2012) Movie Reviews + Ratings

Fans say

Must Go!
37,663 fan reviews

Critics say

Go See all critic reviews

Tweets About Les Miserables (2012)

91% positive
Join the conversation

cdouglass_707 Every once in a while a movie brings tears to my eyes, but I watched Les Mis and I must say I straight up weeped. Holy cow. #lesmiserables

1 days ago.

LizMilligan3 Just watched Les Miserables again I love that movie!!! #lesmis

1 days ago.

littlemonster4e Watching Les Mis again.. I don't care how many people thought the film adaptation was terrible. It's absolutely stunning. #lesmis #love

1 days ago.

kvnwheeler56 I just watched "Les Miserables", I'm not ashamed to admit there were tears, extraordinary piece of film making. #LesMiserables

1 days ago.

JessicaMoir1 Just watched les mis! I can't cope. Everytime I watch that film I can't even- Omg #Lesmiserables #loveit #aheartfulloflove

4 days ago.

Les Miserables (2012) Featured Trailers + Video Clips

Watch All Videos

Exclusive Features

Cast Interviews Exclusive Cast Interview Hugh Jackman on delivering the "most thrilling audition" director Tom Hooper has ever seen, plus Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Samantha Barks and Eddie Redmayne. Holiday Movie Guide Check out what other movies are opening during the holiday season! Awards Watch: Hugh Jackman Exclusive Interview More Films on Fandango's Awards Watch