Liam Neeson isn’t one of those actors that I have consistently liked and/or followed in the cinemas. He’s normally a supporting actor in most movies so his presence isn’t what drives the story.
Les Miserables is by far the BEST movie I have seen him in. This movie was breathtaking! And when I say breathtaking, I don’t mean visually like the landscape or cinematography blew me away, when I say breathtaking, I mean this movie literally was slowly robbing me of my breath as each scene unfolded.
From the beginning, you are taken on a journey with Liam as he goes from rugged and bitter convict to a man who understands what Redemption means in his life. He’s a man who has been given a second chance and with that second chance he chooses to be a man of justice, mercy, understanding, and most of all, forgiveness. I really felt the inner-struggle he was having between the man he was and the man he is trying to be through his wonderful performance.
The film’s theme speaks very timelessly to all generations about redemption, forgiveness, grace, righting the wrongs you’ve done in your life with an abundance of mercy and compassion to other people, etc. The redemptive theme throughout this movie is what I really came away with loving about it. There’s something about watching a story unfold about a man whose past could likely destroy him and ultimately create destruction around him, yet decides to take his past and learn from it and pursue being a better man.
Another stand out performance in this movie came from Geoffrey Rush. Over the past 5 years or so I’ve become accustomed to seeing him as Captain Barbosa in Pirates of the Caribbean and have absolutely loved him in that role. Before this movie, I don’t think I’ve seen him in many movies when he was in his younger days. After watching his performance in this movie, I feel like I need to go back and watch all of the movies he has done. He plays a hell-bent, rule-abiding, strict-as-nails inspector who was one of the prison guards who watched over Liam when he was a convict. He plays this bitter inspector who doesn’t believe in any gray areas, to quote him, “There are 2 kinds of people: those who follow the law and those that break the law.” To him, you were either born as law breaker or born as a law abider.
I loved seeing the explosive chemistry between Liam and Geoffrey. Throughout the entire movie, you knew that it was all building up to some big moment involving them both, where they would have to face the reality of who they had become. And in the end, I was totally surprised!
Content Warning: This movie is rated PG-13 for violence, and for some sexual content. The violence is mainly during the French Revolution scenes and the sexual content involves Uma Thurman as a prostitute. She’s gets kind of beaten up and in the process her dress slips a little in the front and her chest is exposed some. It’s not too intense, but if a young one is watching, you might want them to shy away from that scene.
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Just wanted to let you know someone was reading what you’re writing.
I’m enjoying reading your takes on various movies. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Speaking of Liam Neeson, I’ve got a recommendation for you if you’ve never seen it: The Mission. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091530/. One of my top five all-time favorites.
Liam Neeson a supporting actor?
Have you ever heard of “Schindler’s List”, “Rob Roy”, “Ethan Frome”, “Michael Collins”, “Under Suspicion”, etc…?
I also thought this movie was great. I saw the actual musical at Bass Hall one year and didn’t appreciate it like I did the movie. Your editorial was right on concerning alot of the performances!!
I absolutely HATED the movie and it had nothing to do with the acting, but everything to do with the script. I have read the book 3 times, seen the play 7 times and was so excited to see the movie when it opened–in fact I think I went opening weekend. Sadly, it was obvious to me the person who wrote the screenplay did not read the book or understand WHO Jean Valjean was. The writer did not understand anything about this character. If he did, he would have known Jean Valjean would NEVER allow Javert to kill himself. He would not have walked away knowing Javert was drowning. He would have jumped in after him, risking his own life. It would have killed him to know he was responsible for Javert’s death. He changed the “core” of this wonderful character created by Victor Hugo. I kept waiting for the movie to get better. I was willing to forgive all the things the screenwriter changed from the book and the play. That was, until he changed “who” Jean Valjean was as a person and made him something he was most definitely not.
Notting ham, you are totally right, I completely missed out on those movies. I had almost forgotten he was in Schindler’s List, which I loved! But, to be honest, I hadn’t heard of the rest of them…and actually, he was also in Batman Begins which I AGAIN completely forgot he was in.
I must print a RETRACTION to my statement about being a supporting actor. Thanks for the heads up on movies I am now going to watch Notting Ham.
Karen, I had heard a lot about how the people who had read the book before absolutely HATED the movie. There’s actually a big group on IMDB.com dedicated to letting people know how BAD and OFF this movie is compared to the book. Karen, would it benefit me NOW to read the book after I’ve seen the movie?
I loved this movie as well. I must admit though, I have never read the book or seen the play. I would be curious to learn from Karen or anyone that was knowledgeable about how many more differences are in this movie versus the book/play. I am always curious about movies that are based on books and what noticeable changes are in them.
But as far as the movie…loved it. The scenery, the use of fog/smoke, and just the ruggedness of the time period were captured beautifully. I think was awesome!
This was an emotional movie. I found myself changing emotions constantly…fear for Jean, compassion for Uma Thurman’s character, revenge toward Javert, beauty for Corvete (I think that’ was her name), and just the determination of the youth during their revolution. It was a buffet of emotions to choose from!
I would recommend this movie to anyone!
Dan, I absolutely love the musical and because of this people have told me not to see the movie. They say the movie is very different then the musical (and I am not just talking about the songs.) I am now wanting to watch this movie after reading your review. Thanks Dan!!!