Les Miserables (2012)Movie Reviews


  • Must Go! Based on 37,904 reviews
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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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    Written December 26, 2012

    Beautifully Done.

    by Harlembruh

    I loved the stage musical and it translated well to the stage. Anne Hathaway's "I Dreamed a Dream" was the highlight for me. Eddie Redmayne lives up to the promise we saw in him in "My Week with Marilyn." The kids were amazing. Hugh Jackman was unrecognizable at first, and powerful throughout. Russell Crowe is not a great singer, but he is a great actor, so he pulled it off. Kudos to the director for making the actors sing live.

    • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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  • 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.
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    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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  • 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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    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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  • Must Go!
    Written December 30, 2012

    An amazing story of redemption

    by g.rantwein91

    Set aside the fact that this is one of the best musicals to be made probably ever, this movie has one of the best plats and stories, and will make you and want to stand up and cheer by the end. The music in the film in outstanding and the singing is the most realistic of any musical I have ever seen! The actors have out done themselves, especially Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. The movie is a bit long, but the plot does not drag on and the musical numbers help it to carry on. If you are a fan of musicals, you will love it! If you are not a fan of musicals, you might still want to see it just for the plot, despite all the singing.

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

    Different format/different interpretation

    by whitewater0628

    It's amazing how differently the same story comes across when presented in a different format. I've read the book, seen the play and now the movie. Each has something unique to offer. The story is compelling in any genre, and while I personally enjoyed the roadshow the best, I did enjoy the movie. I think the movie actors who are cinema professionals did an outstanding job with the character portrayals. I thought Anne Hathaway especially brought a depth of character to Fontine that you wouldn't find in the roadshow. With Russell Crowe as Jabert, he came across as much more human than the strict "legal automaton" that one usually imagines. That said, the road show are cast not only for their acting abilities, but for their voices. If you are expecting the same quality of musicianship, you might be a little disappointed. It's a trade, but again, one worthy of making. I think the best thing about the movie is that it brings the timeless story of "Les Mis" to the masses.

    • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 30, 2012

    Better Than My Expectations

    by charward77

    I expected the movie to be "okay," because I LOVE the Broadway show. I didn't think it could be _that_ good. It was! Some parts were better and some worse than the stage version. Better than stage: Anne Hathaway's performance was incredible. Because you can see "close ups," it really conveyed her raw, true emotion. She needs an Oscar. I also thought the movie made the story easier to follow due to the magic of movies, jumping scenes, etc. Worse than stage: Russell Crowe. While he wasn't terrible, his vocal range wasn't where it needed to be to do the song "Stars" or his "end scene" justice. I also didn't feel that he showed as much determination and emotion and Javert should have. Of course I'm also obsessed with Philip Quast as _THE_ Javert and it's hard for someone to come close to him: See his version of "Stars" on YouTube. A small detail I wish they put in the movie: keeping the line, "She is the first to fall," referring to Eponine. I think it's important. Great movie!

    • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 29, 2012

    All thumbs up

    by nesielheum

    I enjoyed the Broadway production, and the PBS specials that showcased Les Mis, and I was not expecting the movie to be anywhere near as entertaining as the Broadway production. I was wrong. This movie exceed my expectations. There were some gaffes and characters that I thought were poorly cast but in the end, entertainment at its finest. Anne Hathaway does deserve the kudos she has been getting for her role in this film.

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

    SHOULD BE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR

    by kmcenterr

    I WENT TO THIS MOVIE AFTER SEEING THE STAGE PLAY MANY TIMES, AND THE PBS 25 ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I WAS PREPARED TO HATE THESE
    ACTORS TRYING TO SING...BOY WAS I WRONG. THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL MOVIE, EXTREMELY WELL DONE AND IT JUST BLEW ME AWAY. HAVING COLM WILKENSEN INCLUDED WAS ICING ON THE CAKE. I THOUGHT EDDIE REDMAYNE AS MARIUS WAS PROBABLY AMONG THE BEST MARIUS I HAVE SEEN...I LOVED HIM IN THIS PART. PROBABLY TO ME RUSSELL CROWE WAS THE WEAK LINK, BUT NOT BAD ENOUGH TO MAKE AN ISSUE OF IT. HUGH JACKMAN AND ANNE HATHAWAY WERE SUPERB. I THOUGHT IT A TOUGH UNDERTAKING WHEN YOU THINK OF THE HUNDREDS OF LES MES PRODUCTIONS...BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY A CANDIDATE FOR BEST PICTURE AND ONE I HIGHLY RECOMMEND...JUST TAKE YOUR KLEENEX!

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Don't MIS Out!!!

    by littletevye

    In a word Beautiful. They took this classic musical and reinvented while keeping all the same elements we have grown to love. Filmed to perfection but make sure you have a stock in Kleenex.

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 27, 2012

    I'm not a crier!

    by Mahjama09

    Yes, it's true, you might want to bring tissues. I loved this movie, despite Russel Crowe's poorly written music. At first I was disappointed by the lack of dialogue, but quickly got over it and was thoroughly entranced with the show. I will most definitely purchase this on DVD when it is released.

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written January 20, 2013

    LesMiserables

    by hmbeard

    A classic, beautifully portrayed on the big screen. A poignant story that demonstrates the complexity of being "right" and how it can manifest itself differently in different people. In the end, it is the power of GRACE that wins the day. MUST GO!

    • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 26, 2012

    Oscar for best everything....

    by nmggdoc5

    While musicals never win best picture, Les Miz should win for everything else! Best actor,
    best supporting actress and most incredible cinematography. I loved every minute. At the end
    the whole audience applauded wildly. In one word.....STUNNING!

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

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Russwarne Tony opening number just finished. I'm not the only one who hated the constant closeups of the "Les Mis" movie. #lesmis #tonyawards

9 days ago.

leahbob95 Just finished this movie. It was called like, "Less Miserables" or something. #lesmis

10 days ago.

PyneAlex I rented the Les Mis. movie tonight and it was AMAZING!!! Phantom's still my favorite musical though. #lesmis

11 days ago.

Emily_Longtin there was conflict in my house over whether to watch a movie for d-day or barricade day. Of course, Barricade Day won out. #LesMis

12 days ago.

peytonjim Amazing, acting in the Les Mis 10th Anniv concert was so much better than the dogs breakfast movie. No, can't treat them separately #lesmis

12 days ago.

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