When somebody thinks of the French Revolution, an image of guillotines or haughty queens or Napoleon Bonaparte often comes to mind. What usually isn’t thought of is a relatively obscure uprising in the alleyways of Paris. However, Victor Hugo chose just that as the setting for his tragic novel, Les Miserables.

Tom Hooper’s recent film version of the epic story was brilliantly acted and, for the most part, successfully sung. The trailers and pre-release interviews made it seem as if Anne Hathaway would take center stage in this production, but I was surprised as she died a mere half hour into the movie. Surprised, yes, but not dismayed in the slightest. The standard her breathtaking performance set was raised even higher by the talented Hugh Jackman, acting as Jean Valjean. The only actor I did not entirely appreciate was Russell Crowe, whose singing was not exactly top notch. He played a distraught officer of the state very well though, so I have no quarrel with his performance.

Overall, I would rate this movie a 9/10 and give it a hearty two thumbs up just for good measure. It’s no easy task to make a two and a half hour movie bearable, let alone invigorating, but Les Miserables does just that. Well done.