Films francais
 
 
Les Misérables
1995   Wartime Drama  

Credits
  • Director: Claude Lelouch
  • Script: Claude Lelouch, based on the novel by Victor Hugo
  • Photo: Claude Lelouch, Philippe Pavans de Ceccatty
  • Music: Didier Barbelivien, Erik Berchot, Francis Lai, Michel Legrand et Philippe Servain
  • Cast: Jean-Paul Belmondo (Henri Fortin/Jean Valjean), Michel Boujenah (André Ziman), Alessandra Martines (Elise Ziman), Salome (La fille Ziman), Annie Girardot (Thénardière 1942), Philippe Léotard (Thénardier 1942), Clémentine Célarié (Catherine/Fantine), Philippe Khorsand (Le policier/Javert), Rufus (Thénardier 1830/1990), Nicole Croisille (Thénardière 1830/1990), Jean Marais (Mgr Myriel), Micheline Presle (Mother Superior), Darry Cowl (Libraire), Daniel Toscan du Plantier (Le comte de Villeneuve), Jacques Gamblin (le bedeau)
  • Runtime: 175 min

Summary
In autumn 1939, a young Jewish family are fleeing from the Nazis when they meet an ex-boxer (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo) who helps them to escape.  This event inspires the ex-boxer to play an active part in the struggle against the Nazi occupation in the years that follow. 

Review
This is a clever re-working of Victor Hugo's novel, set at the time of the German occupation in France.  Although quite a long film (nearly 3 hours), it is well-paced with a great deal of action and drama.  Jean-Paul Belmondo puts in a very creditable performance in what is probably one of his better films. 

If the film has one  fault it is the unnecessary insertion of scenes taken directly from Victor Hugo's story to re-enforce the parallels between the actual events and the fictional story. 

Otherwise, this is a very watchable and enjoyable film, with a gripping introduction and a very satisfying conclusion.

© James Travers 1999


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