Hi guys, I know that this board is pretty empty, but I thought that it would be interesting to compare both the 1998 version with the 2012 version.
1998 Version
While the majority of the movie is faithful, there are a number of things that I wasn't very happy about. In the case of Valjean, he was a very violent man in this version. Whereas in the book, the musical and previous adaptations. He's very harmless and will never go as far as to attack the Bishop and slap Cossette later in the movie after discovering that the latter is in love with Marius from Javert's letter.
Another disappointment was the absence of Eponine, she is a key figure in the story and she saves Marius from being shot. If it weren't for her, Marius would not have been save from the barricade and her friendship with him would not play an important role in the story.
On the other hand, Geoffrey Rush was the perfect Javert as he plays a cold and yet aloof portrayal of the character. Ironically, like Geoffrey, Crowe would later went to play the character in the 2012 version and they're both from the Pacific. Rush being an Australian while Crowe is a New Zealander.
Another major disappointment is the ending, why would Javert make Valjean witness his death for? So that Javert could get Valjean into trouble again by making everybody believe that Valjean murdered him? I guess not! Also, the original story did not state that Valjean was a free man. He died after fulfilling his promise to Fantine and that he accomplishes good things on earth, with Marius and Cosette by his side on his deathbed shortly after their wedding.
Worse of all, why is Enjolras a black? First of all, I'm not being a racist. Whereas in many adaptations, the musical and the book, he's a Caucasian. His role is also reduce to a minor and his character is also combine into Marius, thus making the latter the leader of the revolution.
But on the other hand, the music was really memorable! So kudos to the late Basil Poledouris, the music is very relaxing to listen to at times.
Unfortunately, I'm sorry to say that this is got to be the worse adaptation of the beloved novel of all time! (ratings:2/5)
2012 Version
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm actually a fan of the musical and this was one of my wish that the famous musical was turn into a movie, after seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera!
Despite that there were a number of changes in the songs and 2 new songs too, I was very happy that the story itself is much more straightforward towards it's original novel.
It also gives both Eponine and Javert a more sympathetic light with their respective songs, 'On my Own' and 'Javert's Soliloquy'. Javert also mentions his parents being a prostitute and a thief, as well as why he became a hardcore police officer.
I hope to see the stage version, and see whether or not my opinion on the movie itself will be the same. (ratings: 5/5)
Conclusion
So these are my opinion and review on both versions of Les Miserables, and have a good day ahead.
1998 Version
While the majority of the movie is faithful, there are a number of things that I wasn't very happy about. In the case of Valjean, he was a very violent man in this version. Whereas in the book, the musical and previous adaptations. He's very harmless and will never go as far as to attack the Bishop and slap Cossette later in the movie after discovering that the latter is in love with Marius from Javert's letter.
Another disappointment was the absence of Eponine, she is a key figure in the story and she saves Marius from being shot. If it weren't for her, Marius would not have been save from the barricade and her friendship with him would not play an important role in the story.
On the other hand, Geoffrey Rush was the perfect Javert as he plays a cold and yet aloof portrayal of the character. Ironically, like Geoffrey, Crowe would later went to play the character in the 2012 version and they're both from the Pacific. Rush being an Australian while Crowe is a New Zealander.
Another major disappointment is the ending, why would Javert make Valjean witness his death for? So that Javert could get Valjean into trouble again by making everybody believe that Valjean murdered him? I guess not! Also, the original story did not state that Valjean was a free man. He died after fulfilling his promise to Fantine and that he accomplishes good things on earth, with Marius and Cosette by his side on his deathbed shortly after their wedding.
Worse of all, why is Enjolras a black? First of all, I'm not being a racist. Whereas in many adaptations, the musical and the book, he's a Caucasian. His role is also reduce to a minor and his character is also combine into Marius, thus making the latter the leader of the revolution.
But on the other hand, the music was really memorable! So kudos to the late Basil Poledouris, the music is very relaxing to listen to at times.
Unfortunately, I'm sorry to say that this is got to be the worse adaptation of the beloved novel of all time! (ratings:2/5)
2012 Version
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm actually a fan of the musical and this was one of my wish that the famous musical was turn into a movie, after seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera!
Despite that there were a number of changes in the songs and 2 new songs too, I was very happy that the story itself is much more straightforward towards it's original novel.
It also gives both Eponine and Javert a more sympathetic light with their respective songs, 'On my Own' and 'Javert's Soliloquy'. Javert also mentions his parents being a prostitute and a thief, as well as why he became a hardcore police officer.
I hope to see the stage version, and see whether or not my opinion on the movie itself will be the same. (ratings: 5/5)
Conclusion
So these are my opinion and review on both versions of Les Miserables, and have a good day ahead.