Reaction Paper on Les Miserables Movie (2013)

Les Misérables (the musical) in my opinion is one of the best musical renditions in the world. Whether it’d be in the theatre or on the big screen, Les Misérables, never cease to deliver such a heartfelt act. A few weeks ago, I was given the chance to watch the recent Les Misérables musical in the movies (starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Amanda Seyfried) and I enjoyed it. Im a person who loves music. I most definitely love musicals! The songs in Les Misérables are one of the best theatrical compositions ever made. Much to my surprise, the stars of the movie actually delivered a great show; from their acting to their singing. Overall, it was beautiful. Even though in the movie, they didn’t really emphasize how Jean Valjean fell inlove with dear Fantine (which was one of my favorite parts in the classic novel), the thought of the story was there.

It was about forgiveness, repentance, and selfless love – all of which were shown in the character of Jean Valjean. In the beginning of the movie, Jean Valjean received forgiveness from a bishop – whom he stole from; and that was also the moment he repented from his unlawful ways. A few year after, he was one of the richest man in his town; and by popular acclaim, he was made mayor of the town as well. He showed forgiveness towards his long-time enemy Javert in the end of the movie and surrendered himself to the latter for imprisonment; but then Javert realized his wrong doings – his selfish acts; and instead, committed suicide. Throughout the movie, Jean Valjean showed how selfless love is. He showed love to Fantine through caring for her until her death. He showed love to Fantine’s daughter, Cosette, by treating her as his own child and raising her well. He showed love to the people of France during the French revolution, by donating money or giving food to the poor; and helping Marius (Cosette’s lover) survive the war to be able to be with cosette after.

And so, Victor Hugo, the writer of the classic novel, did an amazing job constructing such a wonderful story. There is no question of why his classic novel is still one of the best stories to date! Herbert Kretzmer, the writer of the musical (English rendition), is also undoubtedly good because his songs for the Les Misérables musical, are one of the best songs ever written. My personal favorite is the famous “On My Own”; that is wonderfully sung by the character Éponine (the girl who secretly loves Cosette’s lover: Marius). And because of that, I think that Les Misérables the musical is a well-built show that deserves to be commended for its brilliance.