I have read the unabridged book twice, and seen every screenplay and stage adaptation. There is much to be admired, but too many missed opportunities which miss the essence of this masterpiece of a book, which in my opinion is akin to scripture.
What I liked:
What I didn't like (I'm not a snob that thinks things have to be perfect in their adaptation):
This last point I have difficulty finding the words to express, but go to the essence of why I rated this a 6/10. The novel, (and the musical) capture these spiritual elements, the events which raise the human mind to great thoughts, and beauty. This adaptation spends too much time in the muck and mire from a voyeuristic angle, and not enough time showing the triumph over the darker aspects of our humanity.
If you love the book and the musical, there are many things in this adaptation which you will enjoy, but so much missed - the opportunity to have been a truly great adaptation.
What I liked:
- Excellent cinematography, and sets - truly give the feeling of what conditions must have been like.
- Great casting - including Jean Valjean (JVJ), Thernardiers, Fantine, Marius, and Cosette
- Showing many of the backstories in the novel, such as how Fantine became pregnant with Cosette or how the Thenardiers and Marius lived in the same apartment complex where the Thenardier tried to rob and kill JVJ, as well as Baron Pontmercy courage and love (Marius's father).
- Adaptations - In some cases the screen writers did a good job filling in details not in the book, such as providing more background on Javert and his motivations.
- Acting - overall very well done.
What I didn't like (I'm not a snob that thinks things have to be perfect in their adaptation):
- Adding details that aren't true to the character of JVJ, at times making it seem as if JVJ stumbled into goodness. I get trying to show conflict, but JVJ was not murderous, nor a possessive, angry/abusive father. (Yes, the book speaks of his torment of letting Cosette go, but he does not stand in the way of her future. He unselfishly does what is right for her).
- Having Cosette tell JVJ that she hated him.
- Turning Eponine into a prostitute, and Marius lusting after her. Complete with brothel scenes.
- Not staying true to the essence of the more spiritual elements of the novel, of redemption, forgiveness, love, and yes, faith in God - which are lacking in our post-modern world.
This last point I have difficulty finding the words to express, but go to the essence of why I rated this a 6/10. The novel, (and the musical) capture these spiritual elements, the events which raise the human mind to great thoughts, and beauty. This adaptation spends too much time in the muck and mire from a voyeuristic angle, and not enough time showing the triumph over the darker aspects of our humanity.
If you love the book and the musical, there are many things in this adaptation which you will enjoy, but so much missed - the opportunity to have been a truly great adaptation.