Overview
A gripping tale of redemption and resilience set against the backdrop of revolution.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- fervent
- romantic
- musical movie night
- historical drama evening
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film impeccably mounted and powered by bravura performances and a distinguished ensemble, though its emotional scale could become bombastic.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The adaptation uses the stage musical's near-continuous songs to carry Jean Valjean's moral transformation, Fantine's suffering, and the rebellion's emotional stakes.
Valjean's attempt to become a compassionate mayor and protector remains threatened by Javert's relentless pursuit of his escaped-convict identity.
The June Rebellion brings Marius, Enjolras, and other young insurgents together around liberty while their individual romances and loyalties are tested.
Massed barricade scenes, sweeping crowd compositions, and large-scale musical numbers connect intimate grief to the unrest of nineteenth-century France.
Films like Les Misérables, and why
Evita
sweeping historical musical drama centered on social injustice, redemption, and emotionally heightened ensemble performances
The Phantom of the Opera
period musical drama combining romance, political upheaval, oppression, and large-scale theatrical spectacle
Doctor Zhivago
literary historical drama with intertwined romantic and revolutionary storylines, moral conflict, and lavish production design
Movie Details
- Director
- Tom Hooper
- Release Date
- 2012-12-18
- Runtime
- 158 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (5700)
Cast
- Hugh Jackman
- Russell Crowe
- Amanda Seyfried
- Anne Hathaway
- Eddie Redmayne
- Sacha Baron Cohen
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Aaron Tveit
- Samantha Barks
- Daniel Huttlestone
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Les Misérables about?
- A grand, sorrowful musical epic follows an escaped convict seeking redemption while a merciless policeman and a rising rebellion close in around him.
- What is Les Misérables like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Les Misérables as measured, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Les Misérables violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Les Misérables as moderate.
- What did critics think of Les Misérables?
- Critics broadly found the film impeccably mounted and powered by bravura performances and a distinguished ensemble, though its emotional scale could become bombastic.
- Which films are like Les Misérables?
- Films with a similar feel include Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, and Doctor Zhivago.
- How long is Les Misérables?
- Les Misérables runs 158 minutes.
- Where can I watch Les Misérables?
- In United States, Les Misérables streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
