Les Miserables continues its effects.

[HKHaugan]

It's Sunday evening, three days after we saw Les Miserables, and I'm still thinking about it.  I don't know the last time I saw a movie that affected me that much.  The bell it rang hit a deep responsive chord in my heart.  I'm sure there will be those who saw it and were touched but not as overwhelmed.  For those of us who have realized the personal effect of Jesus as Savior and Lord, the arrival of any visual parallel experience, whether it be in media or daily encounter, will grab your attention.  For all of us our pasts contain deep impressions.  Things happen to us along the way that are good and bad, rare and common, choices that hurt and choices that were pleasant, relational mistakes and failures.  It's the impact that remains while the memories fade.  It's the impact that registers.  When the register rings I open to the moment.  I would love to hear from any of you who have seen this movie.  Its the sharing that brings us all closer and in the case of all of us being disciples we grow with each other and in our ability to bring the Lord into the world around us.  God bless, ><>W

[Karen McMahon]

I agree with you about most people not really getting it, as far as the "God-effect."  When I saw Scorcese's "Gangs of New York," about the Irish immigrants and the squalor and hard times for them at that time, I decided that the ability of Daniel Day Lewis to portray such a despicable Irish scoundrel as well as an English gentleman in previous moves, that this qualified him to be my favorite actor.  Since we all have an actual picture of Lincoln in our minds, I once again think I will have a hard time transferring him into the Lincoln persona, but I am probably wrong about that.  :D   

[Karen McMahon]

Yes!   I saw Les Mis on Sunday night.   I have seen a musical before that was ALL singing, "Umbrellas of Cherbourg," and I think it must have had subtitles.  At first, it was difficult for me to adapt to, but I was drawn in fairly quickly.   It really was a beautiful movie.   I noticed that at least 2 of the actors have spent a lot of time becoming well known for less serious pursuits.  I was so impressed that Anne Hathaway, known mostly for light comedies, and Hugh Jackman, known for some horror movies, were able to portray such intense emotions and passion.  Secondly,  as the movie progressed,  I began to notice that references to God and motivation regarding God were central in the movie.  I thought the contrast between Jean Valjean and Javert was really interesting.  The way each of them saw God and who He was in their lives was so very different.  I felt really sorry for Javert, after all, though, because he really wasn't able to let himself out of his "box."  He wanted to please God, but he really didn't understand certain aspects of God.  I love that Jean Valjean's understanding of God was a growing experience, and though it had conflict and pain, it transformed him as he continued to experience God in his life.  

I have decided that the movie I had seen at the age of somewhere between 7 and 10 was probably a version of Les Miserables,  probably the one with Charles Laughton in it, made in 1935.  This version, of course, was so beautiful in sound and visually.  Breanna (my oldest granddaughter) and I are going around singing to each other since last night!! :D  She had already seen it a couple of times, and she said she understood more of it with each viewing.   This movie really is so special.  Oh, yes...BTW, I heard that Anne Hathaway did 4 takes of the major scene in the brothel before the director said that was it...but she insisted on doing 7 or 8 more, because she wanted it to be "perfect."  The director chose the 4th take anyway.  :)

[HKHaugan]

I also saw the Charles Laughton one with Frederick March as Jean val Jean.  thank you for your comment.  It seems your willingness to digest it got you in deeper.  I intend to see it again.  I also saw Lincoln which was an amazing performance  by Daniel Day Lewis but I think Hugh Jackman deserves the Oscar.  The problem is that the Academy is made up mostly of people who don't understand the "God-effect"  to their loss.  God bless, ><>W

[Karen McMahon]

Yes!   I saw Les Mis on Sunday night.   I have seen a musical before that was ALL singing, "Umbrellas of Cherbourg," and I think it must have had subtitles.  At first, it was difficult for me to adapt to, but I was drawn in fairly quickly.   It really was a beautiful movie.   I noticed that at least 2 of the actors have spent a lot of time becoming well known for less serious pursuits.  I was so impressed that Anne Hathaway, known mostly for light comedies, and Hugh Jackman, known for some horror movies, were able to portray such intense emotions and passion.  Secondly,  as the movie progressed,  I began to notice that references to God and motivation regarding God were central in the movie.  I thought the contrast between Jean Valjean and Javert was really interesting.  The way each of them saw God and who He was in their lives was so very different.  I felt really sorry for Javert, after all, though, because he really wasn't able to let himself out of his "box."  He wanted to please God, but he really didn't understand certain aspects of God.  I love that Jean Valjean's understanding of God was a growing experience, and though it had conflict and pain, it transformed him as he continued to experience God in his life.  

I have decided that the movie I had seen at the age of somewhere between 7 and 10 was probably a version of Les Miserables,  probably the one with Charles Laughton in it, made in 1935.  This version, of course, was so beautiful in sound and visually.  Breanna (my oldest granddaughter) and I are going around singing to each other since last night!! :D  She had already seen it a couple of times, and she said she understood more of it with each viewing.   This movie really is so special.  Oh, yes...BTW, I heard that Anne Hathaway did 4 takes of the major scene in the brothel before the director said that was it...but she insisted on doing 7 or 8 more, because she wanted it to be "perfect."  The director chose the 4th take anyway.  :)

[Karen McMahon]

I will definitely share as soon as I get to see it.   When I asked someone I know who worked in a movie theatre that was showing it, he said that everybody died at the end.  That scared me, but not enough to ignore what you are saying about the movie.  Can't wait.