Yes, I experienced misery yesterday.
Other than the stellar performances by Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway, both of who are favourites of mine anyway and I am likely to be prejudiced, there is little to recommend about this film. If you dislike films which try to depict reality with low light quality, this is a film most certainly to be avoided.
I went knowing fully well that I will feel miserable, because I am familiar with the story which has haunted my generation of Indians from childhood with Ezhai Padum Paadu a Tamil film version of the same story being very much part of our education and growing up. Needless to say, the novel had to be read to be discussed with peers who would otherwise think that you were uneducated. I developed a mild headache during the viewing which magically disappeared when we came out of the theater into bright sun light.
All was however not lost. I enjoyed the company of a charming young lady who perhaps had a worse time than I had seeing the movie, but who enjoyed the lunch that followed as much I did.
Yes, Greek Salad served in a triangular dish, Ratatouille Crepe and Apple Crumble in a restaurant called most inappropriately FLAG’S. The ambiance and the service was excellent and we were well fed.
So, if your outing includes an escapade for a good meal in a good restaurant to compensate, avoid the film.






The food looks GREAT! I saw an earlier make of Les MIserables which was a non-musical version. I liked it very much! I am not sure if I will like the musical version. I did see the musical play once. It was good, but I can’t really remember much about the experience, so it may not have impressed me that much.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 12:53
I would have been very depressed had the food not lifted my spirits up.
Nothing like a good meal to lift one’s “miserable” spirits ! The pics of the food are so good that FLAG’s should pay you for them or at least offer a free meal the next time you visit ! It is clear that you were not on the Golden Globe’s selection committee ! I have seen Argo on DVD , Life of Pi in 3D and Marigold ( loved it ) on a flight – yes , any which way …. Yet to see Zero Dark Thirty and Lincoln . Dev Patel’s line in Marigold is a classic : “Everything will be OK in the end …. if it is not , then it is not the end !”
Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 12:55
Try and get hold of a documentary called Kumare by Vikram Gandhi.
thank you for the critique! i mean it.
i have a problem with the ‘low light’ of so many films these days.
it may be ‘artistic’ but it is darned uncomfortable to watch for over 2 hrs.
the food pictures are nothing short of fabulous!!!
you have a whole new career rummy ~ food photographer!
and i hear that it’s supposed to be difficult. but not for you!
i must go now and find something good to eat. you’ve made me hungry. LOL.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 12:55
I am devastated Tammy. The only effect I have on you is to make you hungry for food?
A good meal makes up for a lot of suffering.
I have seen two versions of this movie, so was curious to see how many more there were. Dr. Wiki lists 13 Les Miserables movies starting from 1909 together with a punk rock band.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 12:56
That it did for me. I wonder what is in the story that has endeared itself to so many for so long. The hope that all is well that ends well?
The food looks tasty.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 12:57
And was too.
Thanks for the review – i want to see it anyway.
Love the story – grew up with the tale of Jean Valjean, the priest and the candlesticks. Also very much enjoyed the Jean Paul Belmondo version – which switched back and forth from revolutionary times and post World War Two.
But… so far can’t get anyone to come with me.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:21
You are not using your devastating charm BWT. Getting someone to go with you to a film should be a cakewalk, but for this one, I can understand.
Wow – the ratatouille looks spectacular – I’ll wait for the movie to hit cable. Musicals used to be faves of mine – I loved Oliver, Camelot is one of my all time faves. I even got a kick out of Paint Your Wagon but the current offerings have done little for me. I agree with Paul though – a great story I recall as required reading as a freshman in high school.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:26
Shackman, one more item on the waiting list for when you come over!
Love the foods, it makes me hungry. Oh well I’m going to watch this film tomorrow.
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Oh I am disappointed R, friends liked it, etc. I loved the stage show so have they dumbed it down? How was the music?
BUT the meal, yeah, that would sure make up for it. Must make some crepes soon…
XO
WWW
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:30
The music did not inspire me WWW. The orchestra was subdued except in parts and the songs were more like speeches.
I have seen the stage play many times and would see it again. The movie? Not so much. I thought the voices were disappointing in most cases. The power of professional singers as opposed to professional actors who sing…well, there you go.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:33
That may well be reason that the music did nothing to me.
Talk to Me...I'm Your Mother Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 21:31
It’s disappointing because on stage the music AND the story sweep us away. I’ve been looking for my CD to listen to again. Much more fun. But I wouldn’t have been satisfied not to see it. How else could I grouse a little:)
Talk to Me…I’m Your Mother recently posted..Stuff Again. Big Stuff!
Rummuser Reply:
January 23rd, 2013 at 18:48
That is it. How else can one grouse about something?
I loved the stage production and our kids put on a VERY credible version with my son-in-law singing and playing the part of Valjean. The same kids have loved the movie with a passion, but indeed they are most assuredly prejudiced.
I am not in a rush to see it, but your review will neither encourage or dissuade me, since I already have my own connection to the story.
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:34
And that is the enigma part of the story. All of us in the English and French speaking world are hooked to the story in one way or the other.
I haven’t been to the movie…I have had 2 friends who went both had mixed reaction so I will take it as “not necessary to see”
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:36
I applaud you.
You’re killing me! lol I went through my own conundrum as to whether I should give this film a good review or not. Loved Anne Hathaway and the music, hated some parts because, well, they were just so depressing, and I had no idea of the story or what was coming. And I almost cried at the end… almost that is.
As for the rest… well, at least I’d have eaten the apple crumble, but I’d have wanted some ice cream with it lol
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 13:36
Mitch, I did get a dollop of vanilla ice cream with the crumble!
Just goes to show ya the saying is true: good can come out of bad.
And those images, yummy.
Blessings ~ Maxi
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Rummuser Reply:
January 20th, 2013 at 20:04
They sure do, and thank you Maxi.