Les Misérables, 1998
With a cast of international stars under the direction of praised Dane Bille August, this film was shot in Prague, the Czech Republic and Paris.
It was received rather harshly by the critics - most reviews describe it as stiff and lacking of depth. I guess a motivated question would be: "Why?", and I fear the answer would be: "'Cause 40 million people has seen the musical." Somebody wanted to cash in on another success rather than wanting to tell a story.
Yet, it is ambitious and the scenery is great. The script was August's first contact with Hugo and with that in mind you may find it enjoyable.
Available on VHS. It's also out there on DVD. It would have been nice with a directors cut or some bonus material besides the theatrical trailer, especially as the DVD media permits it.
Released
1998
Mandalay Pictures
Director
Bille August
Cast
Liam Neeson
(Jean Valjean)
Geoffrey Rush
(Javert)
Uma Thurman
(Fantine)
Mimi Newman
(Cosette - aged 8)
Claire Danes
(Cosette)
Hans Matheson
(Marius)
Reine Brynolfsson
(Captain Beauvais)
Jon Kenny
(Thénardier)
Gillian Hanna
(Mme Thénardier)
Peter Vaughan
(Bishop)
Duration:
129 mins