Dwight S The "les Miserables" story has been told many times, but never with the emotional impact of this film. Jean-Paul Belmondo plays multiple roles in this movie within a movie, and is outstanding in each. His role as a simple truck driver and former boxing champion who becomes a resistance fighter during WWII is a model of restraint, yet his power and personality shine through. The plot is multi-layered and complex. Alessandra Martines, Annie Girardot and Clementine Celarie are perfectly cast and add beauty and heartbreak to the film. This is one of the best foreign films of the 1990s. Unfortunately, it is also one of the least recognized. The uplifting ending is surely one of the best of all time.

charlconradie Seldom has a well-known plot served so well as germ for a loose adaptation of the same title. The usual pitfalls of remakes and adaptations have been avoided and the result is a breathtaking picture with a wondrous mix of surreal coincidence, fantasy, fluent narration, everyday detail brilliantly highlighted and genuine pain. The tempo of this movie is fast yet never rushed. The story lends itself perfectly to the cyclic nature of Lelouche's adaptation and the actors are brilliant. How is it possible that Martines (Mrs Ziman) is not world-famous? Of all the Les Miserables made to date, in my view this is by far the best.

bouncingoffwall Running parallel to the famous Victor Hugo classic, this movie introduces us to very complex characters in our recent past, the Twentieth Century. Many unexpected twists and turns will lead you to contemplate the combination of good and evil in each of us, and how -- beyond those who seemingly don't possess humane qualities -- many others are capable of betrayal once goodwill towards their fellow humans threatens to encroach on their own well-being and happiness. Also, this film illustrates very well how persons may be forced to act against their principles by others who have temporarily gained control of their lives. Yet there will always be the heroic ones who will defy evil to the point of risking being tortured or losing their lives. Still others balance in between.By the end of the film, you may find yourself a bit exhausted at all the events -- some disturbing -- that suspensefully unfold in quick succession, and at different locations with different characters. Only at the end does it come together. The closing scene was one which left me with a feeling of hope for mankind. This is a very interesting and finely crafted movie. You should see it, but make sure it is Les Miserables of the Twentieth Century, and that it was filmed in French in 1995.

picassoazul This particular film is amazing! I have read the book and consider it one of the most important works in time. The Broadway play is also amazing with its vocals, scenery and special effects. So how do you make a movie that truly captures the essence of what Victor Hugo's vision? The Liam Neeson movie falls incredibly short, but this film captures the true essence and spirit of Jean Valjean! It creatively tells you Hugo's story while telling you about another character's journey similiar to that of Valjean's! A hard-working, uneducated man offers to help a Jewish family escape the Holocaust. The Jewish family recognizes the spirit of Jean Valjean in this man and offer to tell him about Jean Valjean as they are fleeing out of harm's way. If you are looking for an interesting, unique movie to watch, THIS IS THE ONE!