In 1991 my parents paid for me to go on a high school trip to Toronto to see the stage production of Les Miserables. I remember it so vividly it is like I am back in that balcony seat again. I remember crying from the beginning of Act 2 until the end of the play. Michael Burgess, a renowned Canadian singer played Jean Valjean and it was remarkable, one of those rare trans-formative experiences.
Tonight while I was reminiscing and Googling, I was shocked to find this cast photo from that performance online.
When I heard a movie was going to be made I was skeptical. Could it live up to my expectations? Would it capture the raw emotion of the story. Would the singing be superb or would the cast be comprised of famous actors taught to sing? When I heard the cast, and then saw the Trailer I grew more and more excited.
Today, I went to see the film with my mom. Armed with half a box of Kleenex we got there early, chose perfect seats and readied ourselves for the experience.
The film lived up to all of my expectations. It was visually beautiful and heart-wrenchingly poignant. It stayed true to the musical and captured it in a way that really brought it to life. While as a teenager I was captivated by the love story between Marius and Cosette, as a mother Fantine’s pain and sacrifice stood out in a way I hadn’t expected.
Les Miserables is absolutely one of the best films I have seen in years. If you are a lover of the musical, I would urge you to see it on the big screen. Make sure you pack lots of Kleenex!
*This is not a sponsored post in any way. These are my own opinions about a truly remarkable film.
I agree! I loved the movie too.
Dara recently posted..The Picky Snacker
Listening to the soundtrack now. I’m such a geek! :)
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Les Miserables
I’ve never seen the play or read the book…I know, shocking! But I’d love to see the movie, I’ve heard it’s really good and your post just made me that much more interested in going! Thanks for sharing!
Kera recently posted..christmas pearls of wisdom.
Thanks Kera!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Les Miserables
I love your comparison from teenage years to motherhood! I’ve never seen either and am skeptical if I would like it (i’m not a big fan of movie musicals). After your marvelous review, I think I’ll attempt it!
@Mommy_Jennof3 recently posted..Diamond Candles Needs Bloggers
My advice would be to check out the trailers online and see if you think you can watch 3 hours of that type of movie. It’s not for everyone but I sure loved it!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Les Miserables
This looks fantastic and I can’t wait to see it!
Monica recently posted..Five {a Birthday Letter}
I am so looking forward to this show coming here. I cannot wait :)
Tami recently posted..Five Wishes for 2013
I really really really want to see this! I love the 1998 version and this one looks even better! Now just a matter of figuring out the logistics – a few hours away from our newborn will be challenging at this point!
Manager to Mom recently posted..The Big Transition!
I would like to see that movie, though I don’t normally like movies that make me cry…
I bet it is one of those movies that you should see at least once in your lifetime though.
Kristen Bobbitt recently posted..Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich #Recipe
I had not heard that Les Miserables was being made into a movie. I’ve not seen the show but I do like musicals.
Kathleen recently posted..5 Blogging Tasks to Get Ready for a New Year
I’m not a fan of musicals so I’m not sure I would be a fan of the movie. I am interested in the story line though. Perhaps I’ll wait until it comes out on video.
Cheryl recently posted..Get The Party Started Giveaway
I can’t wait to see this movie. I also went on a school trip in 1991 to see the musical! I don’t remember much of the storyline but I do recall that I loved the musical. 3 hours though? I don’t know if I can sit for that long. LOL. Might need to get it on DVD or Netflix
Cheryl recently posted..GIVEAWAY: Pepto Bismol Canada 10 Holiday Kits
Cheryl, the 3 hours felt like an hour the movie is SO good you don’t even notice. Except if you drink all of your drink at the beginning of the movie, then you’d definitely notice! ;)
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..DK Books Perfect to Get and Give
Thanks for stopping over. I loved the musical (though I saw it with Colm Wilkinsonin Toronto) and the movie.
katja recently posted..A little fall of snow*
I have never seen the musical or read the story. I really want to see the movie though!
Insane Mamacita recently posted..George’s Special Dry Skin Cream Review and Giveaway
I have not seen the movie yet but we are waiting for it to come back to Toronto and then we will go see the play!