Historically famous, Les Miserables plunged its way back into the public’s attention as the 2012 remake hit the screens on Christmas day.  So with some extra holiday cash, I found myself spending the break in theaters to see Hollywood’s musical remake on Victors Hugo’s infamous tale.

For all those who are not familiar with Victor Hugo’s story, the tale depicts the love of a father figure for his daughter and their life in France prior to the demise of the throne as revolution boiled throughout the country. The main character, Jean Valjean played by Hugh Jackman, found himself out of work and penniless in providing for his sister and her kids. Out of starvation and desperation, he stole a loaf of bread branding him forever a criminal in the eyes of the law. Deemed a thief, he spent nineteen years in prison, enduring arduous work and torture. Though once released, he never found himself truly freed as the military official, Javert, played by Russell Crowe, was forever in search for bringing the criminal to justice.

It’s a long and complicated story that spans over thirty years, in which new characters are introduced and their story is intertwined in that of Jean Valjean’s.  Jean Valjean made a promise to Anne Hathaway’s character, Fantine, to care for her daughter, Cosette, played by Amanda Seyfried. Jean Valjean falls in love with Cosette as if she were his own daughter, and the story follows their life together as he runs from the law, while keeping his promise to Fantine. Throughout the story there are star-crossed lovers, secrets exposed, ravenous revenge, and brief comic reliefs.

The movie spans around three hours; however, I enjoyed every minute of it, and was sad when it ended. It’s captivating, entertaining, and riveting; overall, the audience is engaged by the violence and action, swooned by the romance, and overwhelmed by the reality of life in France in the nineteenth century. The actors and actresses played their parts well, especially Anne Hathaway. She played her role flawlessly, taking Fantine’s impoverished image. And not only was the acting good, but the singing was highly impressive. All the music was filmed live as one would find in on a stage of a musical, so any skeptical mistakes just made the film more vivid and realistic to the audience. However, there’s criticism for Russell Crowe’s voice, but I found he played his part exceptionally well. It was a fantastic film that carefully followed the original story, and mastered the complexity of the characters. It is comprised of tear-jerking moments with comic reliefs, and matched suspense with passion and allure.