I posted a story about LM from the Acton Institute yesterday.
Great story, great film. Even from Hollyweird, we can see God’s truth shine through.
I thought Rusell Crowe was outstanding.
If a book is good enough to inspire a movie...read the book. The movie is always a disappointment in comparison. (and it was the Bishop of Digne, not a “priest”)
Good analysis. I’ll be seeing it this week. Have to see the Hobbit first. But I’ve read LM several times, most recently an audio version what was wonderful. I prefer the 10th anniversary concert version to the 25th. I saw the stage version with the original cast but had a migraine at the time so barely remember it. This story has been part of my life for forty years.
All the rave reviews of Les Miserables (the new movie) make me wonder about one thing.
Les Miserables (the new movie) is the same Les Miserables that’s been on Broadway for years, was made into a movie with Liam Neeson (non musical), many years ago, and Hugo’s story was writtten in the mid 1800’s and I would have thought was on the reading list of most high school, or at least college students.
But it’s as if suddenly, this story appears and people are surprised by it’s spiritual overtones of law/grace, etc.
It’s not Hollywood that made up this story, although they seem to be getting all the praise. It’s Hugo that penned the masterpiece years ago, and the story is timeless because it lays out one of the basic conflicts of humanity.
I saw the stage show twice.
The first time, i was transformed into a “Scarlet-Eyed blubbering Wreck” during the “Silver Candlestick Scene”, and stayed that way for the next two hours!
It was MOST embarrassing! :-)
This was a very good analysis of the story!
Saw the play for the first time in the early 90’s. Have since seen the play 6 more times. Each time was terrific. I don't go to a lot of plays...maybe one every year or two. This is the only play that I have taken the effort to see more than once. I have always felt that it is a must-see experience for everyone.
Looking forward to this latest movie version.
Fairman writes: "...Jean must now use the silver for Good, now that "I have saved your soul for God."
The actual line is "I have bought your soul for God." The stolen silver was the price Valjean accepted for his soul. He never sells the silver. He keeps the candlesticks as a sign of his bargain with God.
Moving on, Fairman writes: "In adopting Cosette and taking her away from the vicious clutches of the Inn Keepers, he ransoms a life that would no doubt have fallen into depravity."
The "Inn Keepers" are the Thénardiers. Fairman could have looked up the characters' true names. Setting that quibble aside, we see the personification of falling into depravity in their daughter Eponine. As a child, Eponine is dressed in nice clothes bought by the money sent from Fantine, while Fantine's daughter Cosette wears rags and performs menial chores. Later, as young adults, we see the reverse. Cosette grows up to be an upper-class woman while Eponine is a street thief supporting her parents in their crimes. Later on, Eponine foils her father's attempt to rob Valjean, facilitates the star-crossed love of Cosette and Marius (whom Eponine secretly loves) and takes a bullet intended for her unrequited lover Marius.
Although not shown in the movie, Eponine is redeemed along with Fantine and Valjean, when they lead Valjean to heaven.
-PJ