Discuss Les Misérables
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Has anyone here seen this new UK miniseries?
posted by genplant29STAFFMOD on January 30, 2019 at 5:50 PM
This miniseries will premiere in the States on PBS in I believe March. (Correction: It'll be on April 14). I'm very much looking forward to it.
Has anyone here already seen it, on t.v. in the UK? If so, how'd you like it?
It looks to be top-notch, judging from the BBC trailer and the PBS promos for it that I've so far seen.
Here's what Wikipedia says about the production:
Les Misérables has received positive reviews from critics. The miniseries holds a 92% approval rating on online review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 7.6/10, based on 12 critic reviews. The site's consensus reads "Andrew Davies' deft adaptation of the oft-retold Victor Hugo classic affords viewers a newfound intimacy with these outcasts and revolutionaries, who are ably brought to life by a star-studded cast." ....[Lily] Collins' performance as Fantine received praise from critics and fans, Alexandra Pollard of The Independent praised her performance, writing "she plays the tragic Fantine with steeliness and grace", and described it as "magnificent."
Reply by Burt_
on January 31, 2019 at 12:43 AM
April 14, 2019 PBS... it says it's 6 episodes.... It's not a musical, right?
Reply by genplant29
on January 31, 2019 at 1:00 AM
Darn: April 14th is a long time off. Regarding things that are upcoming on t.v., this miniseries is what I'm most looking forward to seeing.
You're correct, that it's not a musical.
Reply by Burt_
on January 31, 2019 at 1:09 AM
I can wait... I'm still catching up on season 7 of Game of Thrones... because number 8 is coming, also in April I believe. The final season... and I don't think I will be watching that Game of Thrones prequel they are working on. Right now I watch Victoria, The Gifted and Gotham, I'm pretty busy with that.
Reply by genplant29
on January 31, 2019 at 1:14 AM
Indeed, that's plenty to keep up with!
Of the series you mentioned, I follow Victoria.
Reply by wonder2wonder
on January 31, 2019 at 4:46 AM
No, it's not a musical, so don't expect anyone to suddenly burst into song.
The last episode of the series will air on BBC One this coming Sunday, 3 February.
It'll be interesting to see if the ending differs in any major way from the movie-musical "Les Misérables (2012) ".
Reply by genplant29
on January 31, 2019 at 5:03 AM
How good's the miniseries, Wonder, and what's your personal rating for it on the 1-10 stars scale?
I see that so far, on TMDb, it's been given a perfect 100% rating. (On IMDb it's so far been given a 7.6 rating.)
Reply by wonder2wonder
on January 31, 2019 at 6:08 AM
Well, it's more true to the book. With no songs and three and a half hours longer than the movie, there are more details and background history for the characters, and of course more action.
As usual, the sets are what you can expect from BBC drama series and won't disappoint.
The actors are good overall. (no spoilers)
Dominic West (Jean Valjean) was great, David Oyelowo (Javert) could have been more mad than mad.
I liked Lia Giovanelli (the younger Cosette) better than Ellie Bamber (Cosette).
Erin Kellyman (Eponine) was quite believable as "the other" in the love triangle.
Josh O'Connor (Marius), well... what do Cosette and Eponine see in him?
Olivia Colman (Madame Thenardier) and Lily Collins (Fantine) were impressive.
And If you didn't already, you'll learn to detest Madame Thenardier and pity the naivity of poor Fantine.
There are some minor annoyances, but that's probably more because of how the writer Andrew Davies and I imagine the world of Victor Hugo looks like. I'd say that his vision is more 'modern', adapted for the wider public.
What could be an impediment for many viewers to really enjoy it, is the length - six hours and fifteen minutes - compared to the musical. And without songs, it can be a very long and depressing experience.
I haven't rated it yet, but it's certainly a version of "Les Misérables" that is worth watching.
One more thing (something to remember): the first scene in episode 1 will be significant in another scene in episode 4.
Reply by genplant29
on January 31, 2019 at 12:22 PM
Those are excellent observations and insights, Wonder. Thanks so much for sharing them!
In my case, the story will be more or less new when I eventually watch the miniseries, as it's been years (probably ten or so) since I last watched any version, and didn't see the 2012 movie musical. So I've forgotten most story/characters specifics at this point, and really only remember the vaguest of vague generalities.