Les Miserables - 1998
Mandalay Entertainment and Columbia TriStar Pictures
Starring: Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Claire Danes and Uma Thurman
"Don't ever forget, you've promised to become a new man."
A scratchy voice from the throat of an old beggar woman implores, "You haven't tried that door," as she extends her cane toward yet another stoop and beckons the filthy and starving Jean Valjean, "Try that one." Exhausted, the newly escaped convict stumbles to the home indicated, where Bishop Myriel answers the desperate knocks, opening the door to a new future for Jean Valjean.
Most are at least somewhat familiar with Victor Hugo's formidably long novel, Les Miserables, but one might assert that never has this story been presented with such raw and tangible beauty or brought to life with such stunning talent. Each actor's performance is stellar, and the sets, cinematography and score work together to create the perfect mood as Hugo's somewhat dark and deeply emotionally moving story is brought to life in this screen adaptation written by Rafael Yglesias and directed by Bille August.
This story is lush with characters who explicitly personify Grace, Mercy, Justice, and Redemption in such rich and corporeal ways:
Mercy: Bishop Myriel (Milan Riehs)
Overlooking Jean Valjean's obvious status as an escaped convict, Bishop Myriel welcomes Valjean into his home, offering him food and a bed for the night; much to the chagrin of Myriel's silent, though humorously wary, wife. When Valjean takes advantage of this situation, the Bishop shows such mercy that it overwhelms Valjean's empty and cold soul.
Grace: Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson)
After his transforming encounter with the Myriel, Valjean actually reaches the position of highly respected mayor of Vigau (Montreuil-sur-Mer in the novel), where he becomes grace personified to everyone around him. As we see both prostitute and orphan enter his life--filthy, desperate and needy as he once was--Valjean lavishes them with tender care, deference, warmth and shelter. While taking in the touching scenes between Valjean and his beneficiaries, it is amazing to reflect on the infinitely more awe-inspiring acts of grace bestowed by our always Perfect and Holy Heavenly Father on us, His filthy, desperate and needy subjects.
Justice: Inspector Javert (Geoffrey Rush)
With no regard for anyone's situation, including his own, Inspector Javert seeks to strictly enforce every law to the letter. His harsh and exacting ways make him every bit the villain, though he achieves a level of sympathy as we see that he has enslaved himself to the same standard to which he holds those around him.
Although redemption is a strong theme of this story, it may be considered unfortunate that Hugo did not include in any of these characters' lives a discovery of the ultimate redemption which can only be found through Christ. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" -Ephesians 1:7
One of the more glaring theological errors is the strong message that people are basically good, and only do bad things when forced through circumstances. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." -Jeremiah 17:9-10
While there are clearly some underlying theological or philosophical errors in the overarching message which is meant to be portrayed, this fictional account can serve as a springboard to reflection and discussion on key theological issues and character traits.
*Not recommended for children
Detailed parental concerns can be found at Kids In Mind:
http://www.kids-in-mind.com/l/les_miserables_1998__242.htm