Watch Les Miserables

Les Miserables is a 1978 film adaptation of the famous French novel by Victor Hugo. Directed by Glenn Jordan, this movie stars Richard Jordan as Jean Valjean, Anthony Perkins as Javert, and Cyril Cusack as Bishop Myriel. The film narrates the story of a man who stole a loaf of bread to feed his starving family and goes on to spend his entire life trying to make amends for that one mistake.

The movie opens in the early 19th century, in France, where Valjean is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. He is initially rejected by society and is forced to sleep on the streets, but he eventually finds shelter in the home of Bishop Myriel, who helps him turn his life around. Valjean starts a new life, assuming a new identity, but he is relentlessly pursued by Javert, a police inspector who is determined to see him back in prison.

The film captures the different stages of Valjean's life and his struggles to escape his past. From being a poor man without a roof over his head to becoming a successful businessman, Valjean goes through several transformations over the course of the movie. But all the while, he remains haunted by his past and the fear of being discovered by Javert.

Anthony Perkins delivers a strong performance as the relentless Javert. His portrayal of the police inspector is nuanced, conveying a sense of duty that belies a deep-seated obsession with capturing Valjean. Cyril Cusack is equally impressive as Bishop Myriel, the kind-hearted priest who extends a hand of friendship to Valjean when he needs it the most.

Richard Jordan delivers a compelling performance as the tormented Valjean. His portrayal of the character is nuanced and multi-faceted, showcasing the moral struggles that Valjean goes through in his quest for redemption. Jordan's performance is particularly effective in the scenes where Valjean is torn between his desire to overcome his past and his fear of being discovered by Javert.

The movie is set against the backdrop of political upheaval in France, with the Revolution of 1832 serving as a key plot point in the film. The filmmakers do an excellent job of depicting the sense of chaos and despair that gripped the country during this period.

Aside from the performances, the film's production values are also noteworthy. The cinematography by David Watkin is beautifully crafted, capturing the mood and tone of the different scenes with precision. The film's use of light and shadow is particularly effective, conveying a sense of darkness and foreboding that adds to the film's overall atmosphere.

The score is composed by Michel Legrand and is another highlight of the film. The music is both powerful and moving, perfectly complementing the story's emotional highs and lows.

Overall, Les Miserables is a powerful and moving film that does justice to Victor Hugo's timeless novel. The strong performances, excellent production values, and emotionally resonant story make this film a must-watch for fans of period dramas and literary adaptations.

In conclusion, Les Miserables is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic literature or period dramas. The film's strong performances, excellent production values, and emotionally resonant story come together to create a cinematic experience that is both powerful and moving. Whether you are a fan of the novel or are experiencing the story for the first time, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Les Miserables is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.