Reviews

I came across this by accident, broadcast over 3 nights on TV - I recorded it, and watched the whole thing without being able to leave the sofa. It is the best movie I've ever seen.

4½ hours long, subtitled black-and-white Victor Hugo epic doesn't sound appealing, or only to 'art house' fans, but not so ... if you ever get a chance to see it, do!

The acting is tremendous, as is the cinematography. Certain visual moments are forever imprinted on my mind, such as the moment when a helping hand comes out of nowhere to help the collapsed Cosette, or the moment when a nun, sworn to always tell the truth, lies to protect the protagonist, Jean Valjean.

It is a superb retelling, and remains the best version of this classic novel. What makes it even more poignant is how themes in the movie were reflected in the real lives of the actors. Harry Baur, who plays the lead - a man falsely imprisoned and whom is relentless pursued through the film - lost his life a few years later at the hand of the Gestapo for being suspected of aiding the resistance, and Gaby Triquet (the young Cosette) was shamed and blacklisted for having an affair with a German soldier and never worked again.

I've seen a few 1930s features, and while enjoying them, would not expect others to sit through them. Not this! It is everything a good movie is about - superbly crafted, mesmerising to watch, and leaves you seeing the world slightly differently afterwards. I've never seen better.

I am biased: I love this movie and have watched it numerous times, but I can see it does have problems. Yes, the science is very shaky, but no more so than any other sci-fi movie.

The main difficulty I have is of the casting of DJ Qualls, who is just too freaky to be taken seriously, and Stanley Tucci. The latter is a perfectly good actor, but just did not seem to grasp the part, having the appearance of some walk-on part in an amateur theatrical production set in the 1960s.

The effects are mostly excellent, particularly the shuttle landing and the imaginative depiction of the ship travelling through the interior of the earth. I rather enjoyed the 'geoid' sequence too. I studied geology, so know its all a little ludicrous, but also know that there are amazing things down there.

The music score is excellent, and visually it is a very glossy product. I recommend listening to the director's commentary on the DVD, one of the best I've come across, and really illuminated the film-making process, and his enthusiasm for his own product is infectious.

I can't help it! I just enjoy this movie!