“Les Miserables” is one of the most famous stories ever told. The Broadway musical has shined for years on Broadway and everyone knows at least one song from the play even if they don’t know the story. For the first time, the musical hits movie theaters Christmas 2012. While it’s the first time the musical has ever become a movie, it certainly isn’t the first time for the book. Victor Hugo’s novel has been adapted into film many times and mostly by France. Here are some of the best French film adaptations of the book.
‘Les Miserables’ – 1958
Of course France has adapted Hugo’s story into film. The 1958 version gets the first mention on this list because it is the most faithful adaptation of the book. Most stories remove scenes, characters, and even entire parts of the plot. The 1958 “Les Miserables” has few changes and even includes some of the smaller details from the book. It is, also, a very boring adaptation of the story. Sadly, it’s still one of the best versions.
‘Les Miserables’ – 1995
Let’s face it: “Les Miserables” is not an easy book to read. Many film adaptations are boring because of the difficult plot. So, how does a filmmaker manage to adapt Hugo’s ideas into a movie for everyone? Bring it up to modern times and in setting that touches people’s hearts. The 1995 “Les Miserables” isn’t really the book, but it is about a man who helps a Jewish family escape death in a concentration camp. Along the way, he learns about “Les Miserables” and realizes that his life almost mimics Jean Valjean’s life in the story. The book helps the man learn about himself. It is a beautiful, touching version of the famous story.
“Les Miserables’ – 2000
The 2000 adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic novel is the one of the newest versions and remains one of the best. It started out a s TV miniseries in France and the U.S., but received a UK DVD release a few years later. It is difficult to find a copy of this movie in the U.S. that is playable without an all-region DVD player. It is worth it, though. “Les Miserables” sticks true to the plot and includes scenes used rarely in film adaptations. The director shot it beautifully, as well, making it worth the three hour long sit time.
While there are many other film adaptations of the book, the musical is by far the best version. Everything is better with singing.
