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Cosette was spoiled and disobedient -- unlike sweet, loving, unselfish Cosette from the book. Liam Neeson is a good actor and would have been a good Valjean if the part had been written correctly. And Marius was completely and utterly NOT Marius -- they made him some sort of unattractive wimpy pop-star who tried to inspire and impress the audience, but really didn't. The first half of the movie was very nice and he was a wonderful Valjean. Then, in the 2nd part of the movie, everything crashed. As a fan of the book and the musical, I'm quite disappointed. I'm looking into other versions of Les Mis and hope to be more impressed.
Often Neeson has to make choices between being recaptured or freeing someone else. I love this movie because there are so many spiritual elements that make you reflect internally. He chooses others betterment than his own. Even though Liam Neeson is a criminal, this shows how forgiveness is so important in our lives. It also shows how through forgiveness one can be empowered through JEsus Christ (although the film doesn't mention Jesus). A must-see movie that will move you spiritually. And, outstanding acting by Liam Neeson.
However, I did find the film adaptation relatively interesting. [However, my knowledge of French films based on classic novels is far less than my knowledge of British or American films based on classic novels of British or American literature]. Firstly, allow me to write that I have never read Victor Hugo's masterpiece "Les Miserables." Therefore, I cannot judge the quality of this film adaptation against the novel, although I do know the basic plot of the novel. the revenge story) was covered adequately. (However, one could purchase the film from Amazon.fr, especially if one has an international account and a Region 2 DVD player). For the most part, the acting was good. Although it is not perfect, it is better than any other adaptation of which I am currently aware.
DVD market (i.e. (There is some mischaracterization in this production, as there likely will be in any 130 minute film based upon a very long novel). As of December 2009, the French "Les Miserables" miniseries is NOT available in the U.S. I believe the main element of plot (i.e. I would personally recommend the French "Les Miserables" miniseries staring Gerald Depardieu (who also plays in another French-language miniseries entitled "Le Compte of Monte Cristo"). the Region 1 market). I will provide the link to the amazon.fr "Les Miserables" page under "Comments."
It's a movie. If you have not read the book, you will absolutely love it. This movie rocks. Since when has Hollywood done a good job of adapting books to movies. It should, and will, become one of your favorites. Excellent acting and production based on an excellent story.Many who have read the book says that it does not match the novel closely enough - Duh. Personally, as a huge fan of Les Miserables, I still thought it was riveting, and so has everyone I've watched it with. Maybe someday someone will come along and make a 8-hour super-accurate version, but for now, this movie is well worth the money.
If you are looking for the musical, this is not it. It down-played the Thernardier's role, and the fun/rowdy drinking scene is not here. If you want to enhance your understanding of the story behind the musical, watch this movie. I found it really helped me understand the characters better than when I saw the stage show. Eponine's story line is also left out. With that in mind, it is a touching story and is well acted.
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