Les Misérables (the movie)

Yes, it's true: before today, I had never read or seen any version produced of Les Misérables.  Greatly looking forward to the book, but spotting the 2012 movie at the local library (which is a musical adaptation), I violated a standing rule and watched the movie first.  I was pleased.

Set in early 19th-century France, at the time of the June Rebellion, Les Misérables is about many things, but most of all Jean Valjean and his redemption.

The plot in a nutshell (spoiler alert, and some points are skipped for relative brevity): Convicted for stealing bread to feed his family, he serves 19 years in prison.  After release, he's denied work due to his past, and left to wander the streets.  A priest takes him in for the night; Valjean steals some precious metalware and flees at first opportunity.  Caught and brought back to the priest, the unexpected happens- the priest claims he gave Valjean the objects, absolving him of his crime and saving him from another stint in prison.  Valjean resolves to turn his life around based on the grace afforded him, and does.  In the process, though, he breaks parole, eventually incurring the wrath of the legalistic policemen Javert, who ends up pursuing him for years.  Valjean eludes him and becomes successful, having a factory where he employs dozen of women during a very hard economic time.  There he meets Fantine, who's sending money to her daughter Cosette (currently living with relatives).  She eventually dies, and Valjean tracks down and raises Cosette as his own.  Years pass; Cosette falls in love with an idealist in the revolution, and Valjean makes more sacrifices to bring them together.  Valjean and Javert clash often throughout the years; near the end, Javert is cornered, and Valjean can kill him, but shows mercy.  Javert returns the favor, somewhat unwillingly, and then kills himself, not being able to deal with the idea of grace (at least, that's my take).

How was it?  The story was fantastic- no problems there.  The production was good, and music was great.  At 2.5 hours, towards the end I started getting tired of the drama (yes, I get that it's a drama . . . I didn't say it was a valid reaction), and I even started rooting for the characters to off each other.  Many die in this dreadful time, but some survive, and the overall point (I believe) is the importance and triumph of love and grace, even in horrible circumstances.  I didn't like that the story featured the typical "boy meets girl and both decide, at one glance, that they love each other"- what a silly concept (though commonly told).  That aside, this is well worth your time . . . and I suspect the book will be even better. 

Rating: A