2019-11-14
$2.5M
104 min
Stéphane has recently joined the Anti-Crime Squad in Montfermeil, in the suburbs of Paris, France, where, Victor Hugo set his famed novel “Les Miserables”. Alongside his new colleagues Chris and Gwada - both experienced members of the team - he quickly discovers tensions running high between local gangs. When the trio finds themselves overrun during the course of an arrest, a drone captures the encounter, threatening to expose the reality of everyday life.
There was surprise when France chose to submit 'Les Misérables' as their entry for Best International Film at the upcoming Academy Awards rather than Céline Sciamma's beloved 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire', but the decision makes a certain degree of sense. Where 'Portrait' is a timeless instant classic that speaks to the ongoing human condition, Ladj Jay's debut film is so immediate and vital for where France, and indeed Europe, find themselves now. Just as in Victor Hugo's novel, they are on the brink of a massive cultural and political collapse, a crisis that will define their future as a multicultural and economic society. Its mostly conventional structure and approach make it far more accessible than you expect, but this is never at the expense of its intelligence or intention. 'Les Misérables' is a remarkable, electrifying and ultimately shattering film, a stellar debut for Ladj Jay, and most importantly, a work that feels necessary - not just for France, but for those that created it and those who see it. It's a thrilling act of cinematic protest.
Read Daniel's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-les-miserables-a-remarkably-thrilling-act-of-cinematic-protest
Just as Victor Hugo's novel is considered one of the most important books of all time, this movie may be one of the most important films of the of the 21st century. If you're expecting the musical - forget it - it's not. It's dirty and gritty and honest.
There is no satisfying ending to the movie. The outcome of a single, individual story is not important. Published in 1862, Victor Hugo wrote in his preface: "So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilization, artificially creates hells on earth ... so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless." It's 2023. Nothing has really changed in 200 years.
The story here is great, and relevant. The film is fabulously well-made.
