Les Miserables (2012)

Theatrical Release: 12/25/2012

Reviewer: Scott Rolfe
Source: Theater
Writer: Claude-Michel Schönberg & Alain Boublil & Victor
Producer: Tim Bevan
Director: Tom Hooper
Genre: Musical
Runtime: 157 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway

Synopsis:
The motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France,the film tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Dove Worldview:
Here is a depressing story for bored viewers on Christmas day. This is a movie version abbreviated from the musical "Les Miserables." While the songs and drama come straight from the popular Broadway show, the cast is from Hollywood. In the first part of the film the viewer is treated to actors who can't sing but in the second half you can close your eyes and listen because here you have singers who can't act. What a joy...

The cast does their best to hold the film together but its just not enough to overcome the bawdy and often inappropriate lyrics of a few of the songs. While several characters do show respect to God, others certainly do not. It's simply too bad that Hollywood will overlook these shortcomings come Oscar time. I fear they will applaud their own for this 2 1/2 hour movie.

Content Chart & Description

Rating Descriptions

Sex: Woman has child out of wedlock; prostitution; man pats woman on the rear; sexual innuendo; woman/man have sex on-screen twice but nothing is seen.
Language: B-2; C-2; Slut-1; Dam*ed- 4; "Jesus" used inappropriately several times in song; S-1; A-1; OG-1; H*ll as a place-1
Violence: Bloodied prisoners; man beaten with blood; a few battle scenes with some blood; blood mixes with rain leaving pools of red in the streets; man commits suicide.
Drugs: Wine; beer; man smokes a pipe.
Nudity: Excessive cleavage; rear cheeks of a man.
Other: None

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