OMG OMG OMG Les Mis!

Saw Les Miserables today, a brilliant film, it showed glimpses of pure acting, especially Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Loved the close ups of the actors singing. There was a round of applause after the film. 11/10.

Just come back from seeing it and I thought it was great but then I loved the stage show every time I saw it as well. The sining is better in the stage show but then that is compensated for by getting closer to the action. Not necessary to have seen the stage show to enjoy the film.

Can anyone tell me the name of the actor who played Marius's friend in the red jacket? Lovely voice and rather nice looking too.

Looking forward to seeing Brian Dick in Silent Witness tonight. Good way to spend a wintry day.

Ian42 I went to see it last night! Totally agree - and we clapped as well!

* Ian* I think he's Aaron Tveit, an American. No I 've never heard or him either but he was very good wasn't he

Yes, he was good, I bet we'll hear a lot more of him.

We all loved the stage show. I think I want to see the film, not sure. It does sound good from what everyone is saying.

I thought the film was magnificent, and I can't be doing with the critics who've said that it would have been better to have singers who could act a bit rather than actors who could sing a bit. For me, the odd flat note and wavery voice added to the poignancy of the whole thing. Hugh Jackman is superb, Anne Hathaway breaks your heart and Eddie Redmayne was a revelation - Empty Chairs at Empty Tables had husband and me sobbing into our hankies! I didn't really like Sacha Baron Cohen & Helena Bonham Carter as the Thenardiers, but they did play it with more depth and seriousness than just as the comedy relief of the stage show.

Empty Chairs was so so moving wasn't it? I didn't know that Eddie Redmayne could sing, he brought nearly everyone to tears.

Oh dear; it didn't really work for me . I don't know why Eddie Redmayne is always the love interest in these films/series [eg Tess/Birdsong]. The other revolutionaries were far more gorgeous and loveinterestable [know where you're coming from moved/Gally ]. And Russell Crowe's singing was a bit naff. There's a very funny article in today's Independant about two people seeing the film [won't let me do the link]. What it has done has made me want to see it on the stage, and understand why it is so popular. [Eddie was very good in My Week with Marilyn; perhaps I've never forgiven him for letting Tess down and going off with her sister].

Must admit I'm not a fan of Eddie R, but at least he can sing.
I think the only problem with the stage production is that you can't always catch the words, and so miss bits of the plot.

I wish I could see the start of the film again because it was a long time before I worked out who Hugh Jackman actually was [I'm still not quite sure]. I did love Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter [want to see Great Expectations now]. Who would have thought years ago that Helena Bonham Carter would become a character actress [even though she seems to play the same character all the time].

Loved reading all your comments, being newly returned to gransnet and not finding this thread I posted a new one as this is the big thing for me at the moment.
I've seen the stage show 5 times, love it ! I found the film gave new insights into the characters and their emotions and also the setting of the story. I went to watch it with 40 other members of the choir that I warble with, we are adding 'Bring him home' to our repertoire - wish us luck!
Loved 'Empty chairs' but not keen on Eddie, impressed by Hugh Jackman and surprised by Russell Crowe. Think I might have to see it again with the Hub.

Tegan, I too found it a 'mixed bag' and was pleasantly surprised by some of the performances and disappointed by others.
Good (surprisingly) Eddie Redmayne (do you think that is a 'stage name') and Hugh Jackman.
Not so good Russell Crowe (acting fine, singing the pits!) and the girl who played Cosette (great in Mama Mia tho) she just wasn't right for this part.
I do love the music tho.
I hasten to add these are personal opinions!

Saw it tonight, and loved it. DH was a it bemused by all the singing (I mean in what he would have expected to be talking bits - he doesn't do opera) i practically marched down the High Street humming "When Tomorrow Comes."

(I do think that the effects in modern films are stunning.)

ariadne It over a week now since I saw it and its still running in my head, loved it.

Leo Tolstoy said that Victor Hugo's Les Miserables was the greatest novel ever written. I enjoyed the stage show and am looking forward to seeing the film tomorrow, despite Ealine Paige's derogatory remarks about it.

One of the songs has been running through my head all day. Interesting to see what you think tomorrow, Kali.

I've just been reading latest copy of Private Eye and something made me burst out laughing.

A cartoon showing a glum looking man talking to his friend saying 'she's making me go to see a film all about the French Revolution or something'

Underneath, the caption: Miserable Les.

I hadn't realised that it was Sacha Baron Cohen, Tegan! They were very funny together - and added a touch of 'dark' lightness to the film. Like glass, I'm still humming the music. I loved it.

Saw it a couple of nights ago. Loved it, loud, in your face enjoyable. saw the musical twice years ago, have the music and so at last seen the film.
It's 2 1/2 hrs long and so well directed and performed. Hugh Jackman, delicious,
Eddie Redmayne was a surprisingly good Marius, I see he was a choral scholar at Cambridge so could sing. Russell Crowe was a good choice for Javier and he coped adequately with the singing.
Helena B-C and Sacha B-C were great together.
Well done Cameron Mackintosh & team. There was also spontaneous applause at the end of the film too, amongst the eyes being wiped....

Apologies to Tom Hooper who directed the film adaptation. Cameron did the stage version.

Went to see it last night. Had my reservations as don,t like russel crowe but it was a fab film. Will def buy the dvd and might even go and see it again!

Son and his girlfriend just off to see it; had to laugh when girfriend thought my son was joking about it being a musical. Yes, really. She had no idea there was singing in it! Gave her plenty of tissues and told them to report back. The WM and I are going to see it on Friday; I thought the stage version was wonderful so hoping the film lives up to expectations.

Just got back from seeing Les Mis. Went with DD and DDiL and next door neighbour. I saw the stage version in Manchester many years ago. The film is thoroughly gripping, wonderful imagery, amazing photography, ok there was the odd bum note, but this for me did not detract from it and the acting was superb. I'd never heard of Hugh Packman before last week (i know, shameful) but I can see why some GNetters are drooling over him! I endorse MaggiePs comments re the actors. Would recommend for sure. The final song is still ringing in my head.

I must be one of the very few people who is not interested in seeing this
The fact that it's all sung with no dialogue puts me off. Remember going to see Evita in the West end years ago not realising this was the same zzzzzzz!