Les MisA©rables (1995)

This brilliant film manages to reinterpret the story of Victor Hugo's classic novel, critique it, and investigate the nature of art and life on top of that--all in three hours that zip past, fueled by the dynamic performance of French icon Jean-Paul Belmondo (Breathless, Le Doulos). In 1900, Henri Fortin (Belmondo) is wrongfully imprisoned for murder; his loyal wife is forced into menial labor and prostitution; then in the beginning of World War II, Fortin's son (Belmondo again) helps a Jewish family elude the Nazis, setting in motion his own imprisonment, escape, and adventures as a criminal. Not only is that just the first half of the movie, there are also the story lines of the husband, wife, and daughter of the Jewish family, who each have their own struggles. The conclusion is joyous and heartbreaking. Director Claude Lelouch (A Man and a Woman) handles the entire movie with supreme skill, humor, and compassion. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Long but worth the time

Another French film told well. Nice to see some actors in roles you would not expect. Is a film that will make you feel good. February 9, 2008

Simply superb

I won't review the script as this is well covered in other reviews, however I would like to coment on the acting and the adaptation of the original Les Miserables.
Jean Paul Belmondo is a giant of an actor and in this film he shows us what a tour de force really means. The casting was based on acting ability rather than star power or aesthetic appeal.
The adaptation is fantastic. I am a high school history teacher and use this piece in my world history and have seen 280 lb jocks reduced to tears by the moving storyline. October 19, 2007

A pyramidal masterwork!

For some purists, this memorable adaptation, placed in an universe totally different, may be motive of scandal and horror.

But if you consider the grandness of the masterworks must not be necessarily chained in specific coordinates of space and historical time, then you should see this extraordinary adaptation.

Belmondo is a retired boxer, who despite the countless punches received during his career has not the human condition and tries the best he can in order to save a desperate Jewish family in the WW2.

A film that really transcends the well known anecdote, and that obligates to rethink the human misery is always present,but wears different clothes.

And we will realize the epic may become tragic under determined circumstances.
September 24, 2007

There are only a few stories ........

I first saw this film in February 1997, with a female friend I had recently met. We went along to a beautiful Art Deco cinema in Melbourne, Australia and frankly, nothing could have prepared us for the life-changing experience this film provided.

Jean Paul Belmondo's performance, while breath-taking is well and truly matched by the incredible ensemble cast's performances. The beautifully measured pace of the film and the exceptional story telling transported us through every emotion possible and left us not only wanting to live better lives, but with a shared experience that cemented our friendship forever.

That's the power of great story telling.

I rank this film as among the best ever made and can not recommend it highly enough to others, seeking to experience its rare riches.

ps. Of course, all good stories end with the morals firmly in place - For me, Les Mis's is "Be True" - Oh.... and the girl is now my wife and we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of our Les Mis outing in a few days. February 5, 2007

One of the best movies I've seen - needs DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I can't understand why it is still not available on DVD. August 16, 2006

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