Film: Les misérables

The blockbuster musical destined to blow everybody’s socks off has finally arrived

Enfin! After many teaser trailers, eked out information about how the actors were required to sing live on set as opposed to miming along with their pre-recorded perfection, and heartstrings plucked from those wild choruses, the cinematic event that is Les Misérables is here! From the moment Susan Boyle let loose with ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ the soundtrack captivated the nation, and then the world. So it was hardly surprising that this was in the works before long.

The story starts with Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) in post-Revolution nineteenth century France. An ex prisoner, life is hard for Valjean, and it’s no picnic for the rest of France either with hunger rife and destitution just a day’s work away. It’s hardly surprising then, when Valjean breaks the terms of his parole and soon finds himself fiercely hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) with a tenacity that will not let up.

Whilst being perused, Valjean meets factory worker Fantine (Anne Hathaway), also on hard times, and agrees to care for her daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) – a decision that will change all of their lives forever.

You may not think you know the songs, but you do. Familiar reprieves, passionate entreaties, and much more… there’s a reason this has been a hit in the West End with theatre-goers for years.

Also starring Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Samantha Barks (who won the role that Taylor Swift was after) and Eddie Redmayne. Don’t forget to bring a mansize box of hankies with you.
Directed by Tom Hooper, Rated 12A.
Released Friday 11 January
Showing at Odeon and Cineworld