Les Miserables

So I rarely start threads in the Cat Lounge but tonight I have to. I just watched the newest theatrical release of Les Mis (with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway) and I am just amazed. I don't even think I can fully gather my thoughts about it. It was so gut wrenchingly moving I can't decide if I want to applaud or continue crying like a 5 year old with a skinned knee (which I pretty much did throughout the whole film). 

Yes, I "read" the book in high school (quotations because I was way more interested in my social life than my academics) and I'm familiar with a number of the songs from the musical adaptations but I have never really put it all together before. Perhaps it's because I'm a grown up now, or maybe because I'm much better with symbolism- regardless, I was truly moved. 

New goal: re-read the book. Until then please, I NEED to hear others thoughts! Did you love it? Hate it? Had you read the book or seen the play (or a prior movie adaptation) prior to making these determinations?

I'm considering devoting all my free time in the next week to all things Les Mis. I need your insights! 

I haven't seen it, but have friends that have and they raved about it.

I saw the play on PBS several months ago.  I want the movie, but refuse to pay 25 bucks for it.

I've seen the stage version several times. I love it.  I tried watching an old version of it on television and just couldn't get into it. It just wasn't the same to me.  I'm not sure I'll be seeing this new version in the cinema.  I'd love to see it on stage again though.
 

I've seen it on stage a couple times. I think the PBS movie, too? Pretty sure I did. My mom just bought the new DVD and she said she could only get through half of it so far because she was crying so much :lol3:.

I've seen live many many musicals over the years (you name it I saw it live), but my absolute favorite one that touched me so deeply and profoundly (in both story line and music/lyrics) is Les Mis.  I've seen the live stage production 5 times.  Each time I  found something different and enjoyed than the last time I saw it.  Cried like a baby each time (no kidding, like sobbing crying in the theater, I kept it cool though, in a contained hankerchief-kleenex type of crying lol) The whole experience encompasses so much/everthing in life, a truly magical story/music.  Beyond words. Beauty, love, God.  

So, to sum it up EB24, I am with you, I hear you.  I too, am a Les Miserables addict, always was, always will be.  (have not seen the film version yet, but can't wait to!)

Listen how beautiful, "Come with  me where chains will never bind you..all your grief at last behind you...." here is the finale song for you (I'm crying dammit lol)   :

David's Steph said:

I've seen live many many musicals over the years (you name it I saw it live), but my absolute favorite one that touched me so deeply and profoundly (in both story line and music/lyrics) is Les Mis.  I've seen the live stage production 5 times.  Each time I  found something different and enjoyed than the last time I saw it.  Cried like a baby each time (no kidding, like sobbing crying in the theater, I kept it cool though, in a contained hankerchief-kleenex type of crying lol) The whole experience encompasses so much/everthing in life, a truly magical story/music.  Beyond words. Beauty, love, God.  

So, to sum it up EB24, I am with you, I hear you.  I too, am a Les Miserables addict, always was, always will be.  (have not seen the film version yet, but can't wait to!)

Listen how beautiful, "Come with  me where chains will never bind you..all your grief at last behind you...." here is the finale song for you (I'm crying dammit lol) 

 :

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Yes you sum it up perfectly. While the story line is gut wrenching and the performances in this particular adaption were, in my opinion, off the charts, I actually feel uplifted by it. Maybe because I am dealing with a terminally sick parent, but the ending made me feel really happy. Yes, I will totally be Cosette sobbing hysterically, but I can see my Mom crossing over to a world much brighter than the one she left behind. 

The themes of life and death, god and religion, law and justice, and parental love/romantic love are all there, seamlessly tied together. I have heard the book is described as one of the top 5 novels ever written and I can totally see why. I can't wait to start it! I too am now an addict. 

So, for those who have never seen it or are on the fence about seeing the movie- please change your minds! I promise it's worth it! 

Well, for me, it was quite boring. Maybe when I watched it, I was not in the mood for a musical. 

yayi said:

Well, for me, it was quite boring. Maybe when I watched it, I was not in the mood for a musical. 

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Yes, I have found this is one of those things in life people truly love it or truly don't like it.  My whole family is split down the middle - those of us who "get it", and those who don't.  That's ok though, we like what we like, it's all good

I LOVED IT!!! I've seen just about every adaptation there is and I've seen many plays in theatres throughout the country. I can honestly say, I liked them all. Almost all. That said... I don't see too many of them though... Too much of a good thing :nod:

David's Steph said:

Yes, I have found this is one of those things in life people truly love it or truly don't like it.  My whole family is split down the middle - those of us who "get it", and those who don't.  That's ok though, we like what we like, it's all good

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I can totally see how it would be very polarizing. I don't think it's possible to think it's "okay." Either you love it or hate it. And, I can totally see Yayi, why a lot of people wouldn't like it. 

NutroMike said:

I LOVED IT!!! I've seen just about every adaptation there is and I've seen many plays in theatres throughout the country. I can honestly say, I liked them all. Almost all. That said... I don't see too many of them though... Too much of a good thing 

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Yay! See Mike, this is why we have missed you so much!