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Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson ... see more see more... , Reine Brynolfsson , Peter Vaughan , Mimi Newman , Kathleen Byron , Toby Jones , Christopher Adamson , Ben Crompton

Bille August directed this Rafael Yglesias adaptation of the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo (1802-1885) about the quest of Inspector Javert to capture escaped convict Jean Valjean, originally an honest m... read more read more...an who was jailed for stealing a single loaf of bread to feed the family of his starving sister. This new interpretation of Hugo's epic begins with Valjean (Liam Neeson), released after 20 years of cruelties and hard labor, reporting for parole in Dijon. Stopping at a bishop's house, he's treated with respect, but even so, he steals silverware, flees, and is captured. However, the bishop says the silverware was a gift, proving Valjean's innocence by giving him two silver candlesticks. Valjean is free, but the bishop asks him to treat others with equal kindness. By 1822, Valjean has risen to mayor of the village of Vigau, where he also maintains a successful factory. Joining the local police, Inspector Javert (Geoffrey Rush) is suspicious of Valjean's identity and eventually recognizes him as a former convict, but Javert has no proof when he carries his accusations to Paris. Valjean develops a relationship with Fantine (Uma Thurman), who lost her factory job because of local attitudes about her illegitimate daughter. The starving Fantine turns to prostitution, is arrested and tortured by Javert, and becomes ill. As she dies, Valjean promises to raise her daughter Cosette. Focusing on Valjean's life with Cosette (Claire Danes), the story is set amid the action of the July 1832 Revolution, a time when Cosette falls in love with a militant student, Marius (Hans Matheson). On the banks of the Seine, Valjean and Javert have their final confrontation. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Flixster Users

81% liked it

36,058 ratings

Critics

76% liked it

41 critics

DVD Release Date: November 3, 1998

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Stats: 1,883 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,883)


  • September 30, 2011
    The book is great, read it before you see the movie. Then you'll see that this film could have been so much better than it was.
  • May 26, 2011
    A respectable presentation of Victor Hugo's classic novel. Kudos to Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes.
  • December 25, 2010
    I got a tad disinterested during the middle, but it picked back up again, luckily. Neeson and Rush are outstanding, as if I actually have to mention that. Having never read Les Miserables, I don't know about the adaption, but considering what a brick that book is, I'd say it was ... read moreprobably done pretty well.
    Overall it could have been *a lot* worse. I do mean that.
  • October 17, 2010
    The only truly interesting plot line is the constant conflict between Neeson and Rush, both of whom were convincing in their roles. Everything else about the movie, however, is rather boring and mediocre in quality.
  • August 25, 2010
    Not a bad adaption. I have a feeling that the book would be much too long for me to enjoy. Same for the older versions, Both Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush were fantastic. I just love Liam Neeson. Dont expect too much and I think youll find it enjoyable.
  • August 30, 2009
    Much more dramatic then the 1978 version. I like this one much better. I really do need to read the novel though so I can compare which stays closest to the book. Wow, I just realize that I still have to see two more versions to make a complete analysis. I knew I needed to se... read moree the original but I didn't know there was one also done in the 1950's. Every twenty years another one comes out. Geez...
  • May 29, 2009
    Loved the cast. Leam Neeson isn't usually a favorite of mine, but his character was so darn likable you have to love him, sort of like Will Smith in 7 Pounds. I feel very drawn to selfless characters lately, maybe because I suck. Anyways, Uma Thurman is hot and dirty looking, ... read moreand her role is short lived. Geoffry Rush is a perfect mirror image of Neeson's character, and absolutely belevable as usual. Great stuff.
  • April 4, 2009
    Really great actors in a pretty good adaptation of the story.
  • March 17, 2012
    Beautifully written, well shot, visually attractive, and very well acted, Les Miserables is a very solid period piece. I haven't seen any other adaptations, but the film obviously condensed a great amount of story (it could have easily been a miniseries), yet it was executed so w... read moreell that it didn't take away from the film's dramatic weight. What anchored the film throughout the time shifts, no doubt, was the excellent chemistry been Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. At just under 2.25 hours, the film always manages to be engaging, with a truly powerful theme of forgiveness and redemption.

    4/5 Stars
  • November 8, 2006
    Best movie I've ever seen.

Critic Reviews


Emanuel Levy
March 26, 2009
Emanuel Levy, Variety

Without a doubt the most emotionally powerful and handsomely mounted production of the story yet. Full Review

Charles Taylor
January 1, 2000
Charles Taylor, Salon.com

The movie's whole virtuous conception of Jean Valjean sticks in my craw. He's haunted and hunted, but he reeks of a reasoned, noble superiority that's a pretty sterile quality in the hero of an epic. Full Review

Janet Maslin
January 1, 2000
Janet Maslin, New York Times

With a first-rate cast and a venerable storytelling style, it fluently condenses Victor Hugo's epic novel and retrieves some of its suspenseful momentum. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Towering over the entire film is Liam Neeson, the Irish actor who seems at home in any kind of picture, whether it transpires in contemporary America, World War II Germany, or centuries-ago Scotland. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
January 1, 2000
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

It never sinks, but it never really soars either, though here and there it hits a powerful moment. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It contains the moments of high drama, clearly outlines all the motivations, is easy to follow and lacks only passion. A story filled with outrage and idealism becomes somehow merely picturesque. Full Review

Luisa F. Ribeiro
October 18, 2008
Luisa F. Ribeiro, Boxoffice Magazine

[An] attractive, solid rendering of this popular classic. Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
January 26, 2006
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

A beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit. This version of Les Miserables is a triumph for everyone involved.

Robin Clifford
April 9, 2005
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews

The new version is a traditional telling of the story, and there is nothing wrong with tradition. Full Review

Eugene Novikov
May 22, 2003
Eugene Novikov, Film Blather

Somewhere, Victor Hugo must be rolling in his grave. Full Review

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Les Miserables Trivia


  • What movie featured Geoffrey Rush as a cheif police inspector?  Answer »
  • which actor has been seen in pulp fiction, kill bill vol. 2, the producers, prime, and Les Miserables?  Answer »
  • The 1998 version of Les Miserables features an all-star class, which of the following actors and actresses was not in the film?  Answer »
  • True or False? Julie Andrews played Fantine in Les Miserables  Answer »

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