Les Misérables truly impressed and inspired me this winter break. I was definitely not the only one in the theatre to shed some tears, laugh out loud, and give this breathtaking film a standing ovation so I’d highly recommend everyone who hasn’t already seen it to join in on this incredible experience.

This film is actually a musical with live singing, based on the 1862 French novel written by Victor Hugo.

It takes place after the French Revolution and follows the epic journey of Jan Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a former prisoner who breaks his parole to live a new, clean life, as he agrees to take care of Cossette, the daughter of one of his factory workers named Fantine (Anne Hathaway), while being hunted by the police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).

Although the film is two hours and 38 minutes, it didn’t feel long at all because I was sucked in right away and kept entertained through out with the heart-warming (and heart-breaking) storyline, award-winning acting, beautiful set and costumes, and, of course, the outstanding music.

Melodramatic, intense, and tear-jerking are all great words to describe this film since it revolves around the themes of broken dreams, passion, and sacrifice but it isn’t entirely heavy with loss and death. There are many comedic reliefs and plenty of action throughout the movie as the main characters find themselves in the middle of a revolt.

Anne Hathaway was absolutely exceptional in this movie. Her role as a dying, pitiful mother was so convincing and her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” was one of the best scenes in my opinion. Each character, even the minor ones, left a vivid impression on me which justify all the talk about Golden Globe and Oscar awards for some of these actors.

The cinematography and editing was amazing, I don’t know much about camera work but it was remarkable enough for me to actually recognize and appreciate the quality. I also could not get over how incredibly stunning the sets and costumes were with all the fine little details that contributed in making this story seem so realistic.

Moreover, I was extremely surprised at how all the well-known actors I already admired like Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, and Amanda Seyfried were so talented at singing. Almost every line in the movie was sung which might seem annoying to some but I enjoyed it and thought it would’ve been strange if they suddenly broke out in song instead like a normal musical. The fact that songs can build up and emotion can be translated so well through them definitely added to the heartfelt ambience.

All in all, I can only rave about Les Misérables and seriously recommended it to all.