MovieChat Forums > Les misérables (2001) Discussion > To fans of the book

To fans of the book

posted 13 years ago by Jolenealaska
1 reply | jump to latest

I saw the musical for the first time (actually the 25th anniversary concert) a couple of months ago. I LOVED it (and have watched it dozens of times since). The musical inspired me to read the book, which I am about halfway through now. When I finish the book I intend to watch one of the movies. Through Netflix I can get the 1998, 1978, 1952, 1935 and 1934 versions. The 1934 version is in French (I assume subtitled) and is 5 hours long. I am on the wait-list for that one but I'm told that it's a long wait. Does anybody have any advice about which of the other versions I should order first? I am looking not only for pure enjoyment, but even more so for faithfulness to Victor Hugo's story.

[–] CarmelaG 11 years ago

I haven't seen all of the versions you list, but of the ones I have seen, none is as faithful to the plot and the spirit of the book as the musical is. The musical is really superb in its faithfulness to Hugo's beautiful novel.

That said, of the films, my favorite (though it cuts the story short in many ways) is the 1998 film version by Bille August. Both Liam Neeson and especially Geoffrey Rush are brilliantly cast, and Uma Thurman is impressive as Fantine. I recommend it very highly.