Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Usamah Harvey The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Freedom060286 This is an under-appreciated movie, it's sad that more people didn't see it.Of the four movie versions of Les Misérables I've seen (also the 1935, 1952, and 2012 movies) this one is the best, although the 1935 version with Fredric March, Charles Laughton and Sir Cedric Hardwicke was also excellent. Liam Neeson was convincing as Jean Valjean (even more suited for the role than one of the all-time best actors, Fredric March, and much better than Hugh Jackman) and Geoffrey Rush was very good as Javert (better for the role than Russell Crowe, though not quite so impeccable as Charles Laughton). Uma Thurman and Claire Danes performed perfectly.The cinematography and locations were more enjoyable than in the other versions.

Python Hyena Les Miserables (1998): Dir: Bille August / Cast: Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson: Based on the French classic about life without forgiveness. Liam Neeson plays a convict who escapes custody but upon his attempt to rob an Inn he is surprised when the owner responds, "You were suppose to take the candlesticks too." He served a brutal prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. He becomes mayor under a different name and takes pity on a prostitute played by Uma Thurman. Her untimely death puts him in charge of her daughter. As she grows older he finds it difficult to shield her from the outside world especially when she finds romance with a guy leading a revolution. Compelling premise leading to the conclusion that some people cannot find forgiveness. Directed by Bille August who made Pelle the Conqueror. Strong performance by Neeson who lives to right wrongs particularly his own. Geoffrey Rush as a cop who will not accept failure is one note and cardboard with a foolish concluding decision. Thurman is appealing as a prostitute rescued by Neeson's need to prevail goodness but her dismiss is a tad sudden and awkward. Claire Danes as her daughter is effective and predictable, and so is Hans Matheson as her current suitor whom she actually likes. Theme indicates that an act of forgiveness goes a long way. Score: 8 / 10

ajlara79 I have seen different film versions of this novel plus of course the famous play and read part of the book until I could no more. Sorry but M. Hugo's literature is not for everyone.Now, the original story of Jean Valjean has, as you know, a tragic ending. Poor Valjean dies in sadness because his son-in-law finds he is a convict and execrates him - somewhat exaggerated in my humble opinion for Valjean was notorious for his kindness and loved by his adopted daughter - not your typical criminal.Literally M. Hugo could have granted Valjean a happier ending, which would have been nice for readers, that is considering this has to be among the longest novels ever written. So hundreds of pages of tragic events plus plenty of philosophy -which takes up a whole good deal of the novel- could have perfectly been avoided to provide the reader with a more pleasant reminder. Precisely, what they do in this movie is avoid - literally omit- the tragic finale. Once Valjean is free of Javert's threat, the movie is over and you conclude -or at least assume- that there is a happy ending to a lifelong struggle.Acting is impeccable, Liam Neeson makes a great Valjean and Geofrey Rush's interpretation of Javert is stunning. You feel he's the real deal, an obsessed, cruel man who cannot withstand that his antagonist saved him from death or shame in more than one occasion.No doubts, one of my favorite movies of all times.

Will McGonagle Often times people compare this movie to the book or the Broadway. If you are going to do that, you might as well not even watch it. This movie is a simplified rendition of the book and, besides the setting, characters, and basic plot, is nothing like the book or the Broadway. I recommend that you enjoy this movie for what it is and do not try to compare it to its other versions.This movie is one of the best movies ever made. It has all the best parts of a great movie. Action, love, redemption, suspense, a great music score, a despicable evil villain, a plot twist, sheer emotion, and it give an insight into the past and some of the social problems that existed. If this movie was an original work it probably would have been one of the best of all time, but since it varies from the book, which has a loyal following of its own, it has been overlooked.