A Film Review of the Movie ‘Les Miserables’

Jean Valjean was given a number of 24601 as a remark from prison, in which after 19 years of imprisonment from stealing a loaf of bread and several unsuccessful attempted escapes, he finally received his parole given by the in-charge police inspector named Javert. 24601’s parole is a warning for the people to be well-aware that he’s an ex-convict. He’s been rejected by the society that he started to starve from death, but suddenly a bishop let him stay to his home. But 24601 is still 24601, he was caught red-handed from stealing the silverwares and claimed that it was given to him. Unexpectedly, bishop Myriel show some mercy that he even lies just to protect him. 24601 felt ashamed and ask for repentance, Bishop Myriel encouraged him to become better person. 24601 broke his parole and started to live as Monsieur Madeleine. After 8 years, he became as the Monsieur le Mayor where Fantine was working. Fantine had a child and been caught by her co-workers, in which it came to the point that she loses her job and even ask for the help of Monsieur but they didn’t let her. Javert on the other hand, met 24601 as Monsieur Madeleine and suspect him. M. Madeleine decided to face his past as Jean Valjean who owned 24601. Therefore, when Valjean saw Fantine that she’s in need, Javert was dedicated to catch him. Fantine even told to Valjean that she asks for his help but didn’t notice it.

So as a repay, Valjean promised to Fantine that he would find her child named Cossette and take care of her. Soon, Fantine died and Valjean do what he promised. He found Cossette and even negotiates just to take her and became a father to her. Javert on the other hand, was so eager to caught 24601. And for Cossette’s sake, Valjean didn’t tell the truth that he was an ex-convict and keep it as his secret. Places to places are how they hide from Javert. Years past, Cossette now became a mademoiselle that captured the heart of his man named Marius. When Valjean caught it, he decided to join the revolution arise by the law students against the government, to save Marius from death. At the barricade, he had given the chance to kill Javert but he didn’t instead he set him free and pretend that he killed him to gain the trust of the students. When the soldiers attacked their barricade, Marius got deeply injured. Valjean carried him to bring him to a doctor but Javert saw them, Valjean pleaded him to let them pass for Marius’ sake. When Marius recovered and revolution is done, Valjean talk to him and confess his secret from the past that he was the ex-convict 24601. Valjean beg to Marius not to tell anything to Cossette and let her know that he’s on a long trip instead of letting her know that he run away from them. During their wedding day, Marius found out that Valjean was the savior of his life and was deeply in sick. He took her wife to see Valjean in his last moment to thank him. Jean Valjean felt relieved upon seeing his lovely Cossette and Marius that gave him enough reason for him to let go and say his last goodbye.

Jean Valjean’s death signifies that his sufferings had come to an end and finally had his freedom that he aims for a long time. Jean Valjean symbolizes the love, compassion, and repentance that can motivate another person. In which, most of us was living in a miserable life, where some couldn’t handle the pain and chose to end their lives but Jean Valjean shows that there’s another way of living but you need to encourage yourself to forgive and love your enemies. Life is bitter to live on, that’s why we need to find some sugar to make it balanced.

The film is not just a film that gives entertainment to the audiences’ eyes, but it is a film that gives an impact to the viewer and lots of lessons that can be applied in real life situation. The scenes and events of the film are well-organized and well delivered, in which it was so easy to follow the flow of the story and easy to identify the characters that had been portrayed by the actors, actresses and even extras. The film gives hope to every aspect of our lives and it let us feel that we’re part of the story.