Watch Les Miserables

Les Miserables is a 1982 film adaptation of Victor Hugo's timeless novel of the same name. Directed by Robert Hossein, the movie stars Lino Ventura as Jean Valjean, Jean Carmet as Thénardier, Michel Bouquet as Javert and Evelyne Bouix as Cosette. Set in 19th century France, the movie tells the story of a man's journey to redemption against the backdrop of social injustice, poverty, and political upheaval.

The film opens with Jean Valjean being released from the prison after serving a 19-year sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. His struggle for survival continues as he is rejected by society due to his status as an ex-convict. After a chance encounter with a bishop who shows him kindness, Jean Valjean resolves to change his ways and start a new life. He breaks his parole and flees to a nearby town where he assumes a new identity and becomes a successful businessman.

As the story unfolds, Jean Valjean's past catches up with him in the form of Javert, a relentless police inspector who recognizes him from his prison days. Javert makes it his mission to arrest Jean Valjean and bring him to justice. However, as Javert and Jean Valjean engage in a cat and mouse game, their roles of pursuer and pursued become blurred, and the lines between right and wrong begin to blur.

Meanwhile, the rest of the characters in the movie are grappling with their own challenges. Thénardier, a greedy innkeeper, and his wife run a con operation, exploiting the poor and desperate. Marius, a young revolutionary, falls in love with Cosette, Jean Valjean's adopted daughter. The backdrop of social inequality and political unrest serve as a reminder of the harsh realities of life for the common people during this time period.

The movie's storyline is executed beautifully, with tight editing, and gripping performances by the cast members. Lino Ventura delivers a brilliant performance as Jean Valjean, capturing the essence of his character's inner turmoil and moral dilemma. His transformation from an embittered ex-convict to a compassionate and selfless man is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Jean Carmet, as Thénardier, brings a sense of comic relief to the movie, infusing his character with a shrewdness that is both humorous and despicable. Michel Bouquet is excellent as Javert, capturing the character's single-mindedness and stubbornness, but also conveying a deep sense of conflicted duty and morality. Evelyne Bouix gives a great performance as Cosette, portraying her character's innocence and vulnerability with poignancy.

The movie's cinematography is breathtaking, with stunningly beautiful landscapes and well-executed action scenes. The movie's score is also noteworthy, comprising of powerful and emotive orchestral pieces that heighten the emotional intensity of the film.

Overall, Les Miserables is a timeless classic that explores the human condition, touching upon themes of love, redemption, and the pursuit of justice. The movie serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. The movie creates an immersive cinematic journey that keeps the audience thoroughly engrossed throughout the film.

Les Miserables is a 1982 history movie with a runtime of 3 hours and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.