I had seen the play and read the book, and became hooked on "Les Mis" for about a year. So when this movie came out, I was looking forward to seeing it.
However, I was disappointed in the changes that was made in this movie.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
Marius was not the person who motivated the crowd into action. It was Enjolras.
Cosette did not meet Marius in a protest, but through Eponine.
And Eponine sacrificed herself because of her love of Marius. Where was that in this movie. In fact, where was Eponine--other than as a little girl playing with Azelma? She was an essential character, and she was reduced to a little girl in the background.
Also, when Fantine was sick, what was she doing with no pants on?
Javert did commit suicide, but it was not in front of Valjean. Besides, if Valjean would have witnessed it, he would have jumped into the water to save Javert--even to the threat to his freedom. In the play, Valjean did save Javert in another situation to the threat of his freedom.
And Valjean would NEVER hit Cosette, especially since he's been redeemed and he did take Cosette away from a life of abuse. He loved her. He knew that abusing her was wrong. So he would never have hit her--NO MATTER WHAT!
I know that movie adaptations do make changes from the book, and the play didn't exactly follow the book either, but the spirit and characterization of the play still matched the book. Not so in this adaptation.
However, I was disappointed in the changes that was made in this movie.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
Marius was not the person who motivated the crowd into action. It was Enjolras.
Cosette did not meet Marius in a protest, but through Eponine.
And Eponine sacrificed herself because of her love of Marius. Where was that in this movie. In fact, where was Eponine--other than as a little girl playing with Azelma? She was an essential character, and she was reduced to a little girl in the background.
Also, when Fantine was sick, what was she doing with no pants on?
Javert did commit suicide, but it was not in front of Valjean. Besides, if Valjean would have witnessed it, he would have jumped into the water to save Javert--even to the threat to his freedom. In the play, Valjean did save Javert in another situation to the threat of his freedom.
And Valjean would NEVER hit Cosette, especially since he's been redeemed and he did take Cosette away from a life of abuse. He loved her. He knew that abusing her was wrong. So he would never have hit her--NO MATTER WHAT!
I know that movie adaptations do make changes from the book, and the play didn't exactly follow the book either, but the spirit and characterization of the play still matched the book. Not so in this adaptation.