Les misérables

one of the greatest French films of the last few decades yet, sadly, a film almost entirely overlooked by most critics...including the Lelouch-bashers of the contemporary French film industry.

make no mistake: most of those who have seen it--certainly everyone I know who has seen it--tend to regard it as a genuine classic of world cinema and the finest film of the year of its release.

powerful, skillful and impassioned, I can recommend it without reservation.

a triumph for all concerned.

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.

This film is fantastic - I hope to find a DVD of it. My husband didn't fancy it but within 10 minutes was transfixed, and it's now one of his favourite films. It requires concentration because of the different story strands (and the fact that Jean-Paul Belmondo plays different characters in different stories) but the reward is great. It does capture the polarised human aspects of those who are selfless and help others at great danger to themselves, and those who exploit or betray others for their own gain. Truly unique.

I do not remember the last time I was so moved by a film. This is not an easy film to watch - simply because it is so intelligent and beautifully executed. Belmondo and Lelouch are two masters at the top of their form. I cannot recommend the film any higher. But if you are going to watch, then you have to prepare yourself to be swept away and give yourself completely to the movie as Lelouch clearly did!

I found this to be a beautiful film. I can not describe it to anyone without becoming emotional nearing the ending of the epic when all the smaller sub-plots become one. The movie is a celebration of determination, endurance, the search for justice and eventual joy. My only recommendation to anyone is to just see the film yourself. I did not even notice the length. I kept playing it over and over again. Belmondo is superb. The rest of the cast is magnificent. LeLouch did a fantastic job in his re-telling. I only wish that I could contact them all personally to thank them for the most emotionally happy three hours I have had in a long time. My very small video collection has grown by one!

I am amazed that this film came to the US in 1995 and went virtually unnoticed. It should have been an Academy Award (Oscar) standard!