Several years ago, Art and I took the kids to see the musical, Les Miserables in Chicago. I came out wanting to wave a flag and sing while marching around town. I was so captured by the mood that the kids were probably worried that I would do something that might embarrass them.
Mom had always told us that she'd read Victor Hugo's book when she was in 4th grade and was astounded at what incredible writers there were around the world. After seeing that fabulous Chicago stage production, I wanted mom to enjoy it too.
Our friend, Sam kindly found a CD of the Japanese version of the musical so mom could understand the lyrics.
Mom listened to it, but I don't think it was the same as actually seeing it performed on stage.
Now they've finally made a movie out of the musical starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe with Anne Hathaway.
We warned mom that the movie had gotten very mixed reviews. Many critics praised Anne Hathaway and liked Hugh Jackman, but Russell Crowe hadn't fared as well from what I've read.
But what a surprise! We were totally blown away. Les Miserables was absolutely fabulous. I can't get over what strong and spectacular performances they all accomplished. It was amazing to hear these actors sing so brilliantly under rather difficult, emotional conditions.
Even though I've heard the songs countless times and seen the stage version as well as other movie adaptions, I was deeply moved. I cried.
As we were leaving the theater, mom said her chest hurt. That took me aback. Then she explained that she was so full of emotion she'd tried to control that it made her chest hurt. She loved all the performances, was blown away by Hugh Jackman and said she liked Russell Crowe too. We were all euphoric after seeing the movie and even though he was sure Daniel Day-Lewis should get the Oscar for Best Actor after seeing Lincoln, Art now thinks that Hugh Jackman deserves the award.
We're not movie critics. We just know what we like. This was a movie we all loved. And it's a good thing there wasn't a flag within reach because I would probably have waved it while marching out singing.
It's a good thing my kids aren't around for me to embarrass.
Mom had always told us that she'd read Victor Hugo's book when she was in 4th grade and was astounded at what incredible writers there were around the world. After seeing that fabulous Chicago stage production, I wanted mom to enjoy it too.
Mom listened to it, but I don't think it was the same as actually seeing it performed on stage.
Now they've finally made a movie out of the musical starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe with Anne Hathaway.
We warned mom that the movie had gotten very mixed reviews. Many critics praised Anne Hathaway and liked Hugh Jackman, but Russell Crowe hadn't fared as well from what I've read.
Even though I've heard the songs countless times and seen the stage version as well as other movie adaptions, I was deeply moved. I cried.
As we were leaving the theater, mom said her chest hurt. That took me aback. Then she explained that she was so full of emotion she'd tried to control that it made her chest hurt. She loved all the performances, was blown away by Hugh Jackman and said she liked Russell Crowe too. We were all euphoric after seeing the movie and even though he was sure Daniel Day-Lewis should get the Oscar for Best Actor after seeing Lincoln, Art now thinks that Hugh Jackman deserves the award.
We're not movie critics. We just know what we like. This was a movie we all loved. And it's a good thing there wasn't a flag within reach because I would probably have waved it while marching out singing.
It's a good thing my kids aren't around for me to embarrass.
Wow Kay -- what an adventure for everyone. I haven't seen it; (my brother studying French so much when I was growing up stiffled me.)
ReplyDeleteI still think the actors in "The Sessions," and "The Hobbit" should receive awards. Don't go see "The Sessions" with your Mom or children. If you like Tolkien, go see the plain version of "The Hobbit."
DrumMajor
I'd like to see "Sessions" and "The Hobbit" also. Art says he'd prefer seeing "The Sessions" at home though since I don't think you need a big screen for that. DJan has also recommended "Intouchables" which I'd also like to see.
DeleteI have heard nothing but rave reviews of Les Miserables. Cannot wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a movie where so many people were openly weeping!
ReplyDeleteOops me included.
Oh, I'm so glad you loved it! I did, too, but many other people I follow didn't like it nearly as much as I (we) did. I was also amazed that Russell Crowe has such a decent voice, after having read the reviews. Yayy!
ReplyDeleteIt's high on my list of films to watch, preferably at the cinema. I loved the musical, saw it twice in London and once in Bristol and was speechless each time. I loved the book too, a present from Number Two son a few years back.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I saw it Christmas Day. We were both so excited before the doors opened because we had seen the trailers and Les M. has always been one of my favorite classics. When I re-read it (and often) I marvel with Hugo's sentences. Writing these days seems so brittle by comparison. I know exactly how you felt. I wanted to exit waving one of those big flags too.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
well guess I'll have to go with my friend Caryn-my husband is definitely not interested! Sounds amazing...
ReplyDeleteI'll bet your husband would love it too. Art was really impressed and enjoyed it immensely.
DeleteI really need to go see it.
ReplyDeleteA great rabble-rousing drama. I have watched it many times on PBS. Love Alfie Bowe. The musical is much better than the actual story. The film has been remade many times. I have seen them all.
ReplyDeleteMany folks think the Victor Hugo story is about the French Revolution, but it is not. Sadly, the fight at the barricades in 1848 ended very badly for the poor.
The end result, was the redesign of Paris by Georges-Eugène Haussmann (Baron von Haussman), and the creation of the wide boulevards you see in Impressionist paintings. The idea was to get rid of the narrow Medieval passage ways the poor could block and prevent the King's troops from entering.
You can tell I studied this period in my history classes? Loved it. Dianne
This is so very interesting, Dianne. I had no idea about the wide boulevards. Makes sense now.
DeleteEveryone I have talked with has loved this in that same way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. We MUST see it tomorrow. I've heard nearly everyone loved it just as you did.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed
ReplyDeleteAloha
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Well, I am one who didn't love it. I had never seen any version of the book, movie or stage play. I had heard wonderful things about the music. But I did not like the singing that was more acting than singing. The beauty of the music was mostly lost. It acting was wonderful, the singing was not. I did love the rebels anthem best, though, so I would march with you.
ReplyDeleteFrom all the reviews we've seen, it's either you love it or you really don't. I find it all very interesting.
DeleteThere was a really sour review in the NYT. I'm glad you enjoyed it, though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay for the review, I will be going next week and will come back and let you know what I thought. Hugh Jackman is just a lovely bloke, so glad everyone thinks he did well.
ReplyDelete