Having  entered into this film pretty much blind, I've never seen the play, never read the book and only had the slightest inkling of what the story was about,  I would have to say this was probably one of the best musical films ever released.

And it’s not that I’m a rabid fan of the musical because some of the music grates on me, there aren't really any catchy tunes and I’m not really fond of sing-talking (not sure what else to call it – is there a term?).   I didn't even think all of the performances were excellent.  However, there was something in this movie I didn't expect.   There’s a great story in this film and after watching it, it’s not a wonder Les Misérables is a respected piece of literature.

There were some fantastic performances – though they were mostly in the beginning.   Hugh Jackman did an excellent job – especially his solo “What Have I Done?” – even though he was a bit nasal .   And Anne Hathaway, bless her little star, blew me away with her emotional rendition of I Dreamed a Dream.   She definitely deserves all of the awards for her performance.

Most of the other performances were acceptable with the exceptions of Russell Crowe,  SBC, and HBC.    Russell Crowe’s weak and whiny “Rock” voice didn't seem appropriate for the character of Javert, though I supposed he acted the part appropriately.   SBC and HBC, however, seemed a bit out of place in this movie – like someone picked them up out of a Tim Burton film and plopped them in this one.   I found them irritating – not enough to ruin the movie – maybe that’s what they were intended to do.

The other thing that was great about this movie was the atmosphere.  Not usually noticed the set direction and costuming was fantastic in this film.   It really felt gritty and dirty.   Even the fact the songs were recorded on set adds to that gritty feeling.  

Overall this movie kind of reminded me of Oliver mixed with a Twist of Sweeney Todd with possibly a bit of Man of La Mancha.   And even though I didn't particularly enjoy all of the elements, it was quite and effective musical.  One of the best ever made.              

Agree with you Michael ...one of my favorites ...

Enjoyable movie but IMO, has many flaws. I found the sing-talking a little jarring, was there really a point with having every single line of dialogue sung? It just throws you into the moment.

There were some memorable scenes, in fact, many memorable scenes but the musical aspect really made for poor story telling. I really wanted to rip my ears out when Cosette and Marius finally met, literally 5 minutes of singing how much they loved each other.

I have to disagree with Michael on HBC and SBC, I thought they did a great job here. Maybe it's because I'm a huge fan of Burton's Sweeney Todd and was expecting something similar.

I've seen the stage show on Broadway.
Listened to the cassette a hundred times thanks to my mom.

And I still found a lot to like in this movie adaptation.
Sasha and Helena didn't bother me much.
"Oh, look. Now they're together, unlike Sweeney Todd."
A momentary moment of a meta shrug is all it got out of me.
Hugh Jackman sold me on the first act. He's all there and very watchable.
Those long takes with in the in the church opener had me RIVETED.

And then Mr Master & Commander Russell BOWIE took a dump on the film!
Ground control to Major Javert did not work for me at all.
If they wanted the Bowie vibe, Will Ferrell would've been a better choice...

Quoted from mcornetto I’m not really fond of sing-talking (not sure what else to call it – is there a term?).

Actually, there is!  It's called through-music or sung-through.  Also called opera, but that's neither here nor there...  

I'm actually not a fan of that style - despite LOVING the music of Phantom.  But I have to admit, Les Miz looks good.  Just have to wait until I'm in the mood...

Quoted from wonkavite Actually, there is!  It's called through-music or sung-through.  Also called opera, but that's neither here nor there...

Thanks..  

Before I wrote this some one told me it was called "opera" but I didn't believe them.

Quoted from mcornetto Thanks..   Before I wrote this some one told me it was called "opera" but I didn't believe them.

The entire musical is an opera but the singing style (as Janet said) is called sung-through.

I can't wait to get around to seeing this one. I saw it live on stage down here once (my Mum was playing in the orchestra). After then, I became almost obsessed with the music and the story. Surprised to see Samantha Barks hasn't had a mention yet. By far one of the best Broadway singers, yet she hardly gets a mention among her co-stars.

Dan

Quoted from danbotha The entire musical is an opera but the singing style (as Janet said) is called sung-through.

It's my understanding that there are strict rules to calling something an "opera".  One of them is that every word must be sung.  That isn't a case in Les Mis.

Quoted from mcornetto It's my understanding that there are strict rules to calling something an "opera".  One of them is that every word must be sung.  That isn't a case in Les Mis.

An "opera" is not where every word is sung. It's when the entire play is set to music as opposed to having gaps where there is no music. I know the entire play is set to music, not sure about the movie. Our Music class had countless arguments on this topic last year

It depends on whether you are looking at opera in a classical sense or not.

And the term for the sung-through parts is the Recitative

And I should've mentioned that I thought Hathaway availed herself well.
She made solid impressions in this and DKR for me.
Now if only we can digitally remove Russell Crowe.
I wonder if Liam Neeson can sing.

E.D.

Quoted from Electric Dreamer Now if only we can digitally remove Russell Crowe.

I feel like Crowe got a really bad rep for this. I mean, his voice is nothing of not (heheh) but it certainly wasn't bad. I really did love this movie though. No real complaints though. Very emotional and engaging. Kudos to all involved.