Other Side Drive: Tuesday Segments

Film Crunch

-Andrea Rodriguez

Not all of us have experienced the stage sensation of seeing a Broadway musical. Well, now you can cross that off your bucket list because Andrea Rodriguez has a global Broadway show reborn as a cinematic masterpiece for you to check out!

EP3 Film Crunch

For the hopeless romantics, Broadway musical fans, and dramatic lovers that dream of Broadway musical masterpieces crossing the threshold of performing arts to the big screen, I have an epic film for you.
Les Misérables, is a worldwide, record-breaking Broadway musical that has transformed into the Movie of the Year, winning the American Film Institute Film Award for 2012. http://www.afi.com/afiawards/

Director Tom Hooper did an amazing job in capturing the emotional fight for life and death. Set against the backdrop of nineteenth century France, Les Misérables tells an empowering story about a man, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) who is punished as a slave for committing a crime, the crime of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s ill child. Nineteen years of hard labor, Valjean is released on parole but breaks his parole to begin a new life hoping to leave his condemned years in the past.

Javert: Now bring me prisoner 24601 Your time is up
And your parole’s begun
You know what that means
Valjean: Yes, it means I’m free
Javert: No
It means you get
Your yellow ticket-of-leave
You are a thief
Valjean: I stole a loaf of bread!
Javert: You robbed a house!
Valjean: I broke a window pane!
My sister’s child was close to death
And we were starving!
Javert:And you will starve again
Unless you learn the meaning of the law.
Valjean: I know the meaning of these 19 years
A slave of the law
Javert:Five years for what you did
The rest because you tried to run
Yes 24601

Les Misérables takes you inside the lives of characters who all want change, who hope in a tomorrow. It’s a heart -wrenching tale of a single mother Fantine (Anne Hathaway) who would sacrifice her looks and life, anything imaginable for money to send to her little girl.

“There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong
I dreamed a dream in times gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung
No wine untasted
But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder”

It’s a story of lost dreams, shattered hearts, and love. It’s a political testament, a revolutionary   fight against the order of society. And above all it’s a romantic tale of two lost souls who found love with each other, but may never get the chance to be together.

Marius: A heart full of love A heart full of song I’m doing everything all wrong Oh God, for shame I do not even know your name Dear Mad’moiselle Won’t you say? Will you tell?
Cosette: A heart full of love No fear, no regret
Marius: My name is Marius Pontmercy
Cosette: And mine’s Cosette

A beloved Broadway show of shows, seen by more than sixty million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages is now a cinematic timeless experience. This film will have you laughing, crying your soul out, and feeling inspired. The sound of tissue packets opening and closing will be a permanent addition to the soundtrack. I highly recommend this beautifully crafted work of art. It’s amazing how the film can take us through every emotion there is, from the relentless struggle for existence, the uplifting revolutionary spirit, and the love a father has for his child. Les Misérables is a wonderful masterpiece.