4/5 stars

The big-screen adaptation of Les Misérables has finally hit cinemas after serving as the West-End’s longest running production for twenty-seven years. However, don’t go along expecting your usual happy ‘jazz hands’ musical akin to Meryl Streep’s Mamma Mia. Instead prepare to ride a tidal wave of emotion as you follow each character in their struggle which will have you reaching for the tissues.

Directed by the Academy Award-adorned Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech), the story is based on Victor Hugo’s nineteenth century French epic about Jean Valjean  (Hugh Jackman); an ex-convict who is being pursued by police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe). Whilst on the run, Valjean takes into his care Cosette, the illegitimate child of Fantine (Anne Hathaway) and raises her as his own amidst the political unrest in France.

Les Mis truly has it all. From love to sacrifice, a battle of good versus evil, revolution and a dose of comedy from the Thénardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter) in addition to an irresistible score which makes you want to punch the air and join in the crusades too.

The cast’s musical performances, all of which Hooper decided to shoot live, are good although the lack of non-musical dialogue exchanged between characters may surprise viewers unfamiliar with the show. Hooper’s bold decision adds to the realism and allows for some exceptional performances such as Hathaway’s gutsy rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and Samantha Barks interpretation of Eponine’s ‘On My Own’. Some of the cast do struggle to deliver West End worthy performances, most noticeably Crowe, but you can forgive them as the strength of the acting is unwavering.

When the film finished, it was no surprise that the cinema applauded as Hooper has certainly created a masterpiece, which I’m confident will be recognised at the upcoming Oscars.

Pippa Gaunt