Why so much hype?

Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

the clash between Depardieu and Malkovich. this is the first level. then, the loyalty to the novel in a better manner because the series is inspired option for present the story. but this is the start point. because this Les Miserables gives the flavor and nuances of a period. this adaptation impose the right way to discover the details, the force and the rhythm of a magnificent masterpiece. all is rediscovered in new light. and Javert of John Malkovich is real closed by the figure of Vidoque. result - the film becomes a lesson with chance to be a form of experience. nothing original for the reader or for the public of old adaptation. only a delicate line who gives to the film a special status. short, a beautiful film. in many senses.

After seeing this many times over the years, without it ever losing it's potency, I can say this 'Millennium' or year 2000 adaptation, would have to be the best version of Les Misérables.Depardieu and Malkovich bring an intensity and humanity to their roles which has never before been captured in any previous productions (or since for that matter - don't waste your time with the 2012 version). This is the definitive Les Misérables. The music, set design, supporting performances, and all the other elements come together, to create what will probably stand to be the best filmed version of this much loved novel ever made.See it if you can in it's native French language with English subtitles for the best viewing experience...and if you like it spread the word about this fantastic adaptation, not many people know about it.Vive La Revolution!

This was an amazing adaptation, with a few things that were missing. I agree with the first review that Marius looked way too old, and the other is that in every adaptation of the book, they never give Eponine enough screen time. She wasn't even a character in the version with Claire Danes. Yes, she is a character in this version, but they don't show her death and proclamation of love for Marius. It's one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in the book, and I was disappointed that it's never shown in any of the movies. The musical got it right though.I liked this version a lot though and wish they would air it again. Les Miserables is one favorite books and timeless story of love, forgiveness and revolution.

One of my favourite versions, second only to the 1934 adaptation.Six hours in length, Depardieu as Valjean, Malkovich as Javert, rich in detail and emotionally engaging - what more can one ask?As with the 1934 version, this treatment is very full and therefore retains the strength of the original. It contains a number of alterations to the original narrative, but remains faithful to the essence of the characters, though I found Valjean's obsessive behaviour toward Cosette somewhat exaggerated, and too little emphasis laid on his sense of duty, responsibility, and lack of self-esteem, as his motivation. The direction is crisp, the script intelligent and engaging, and the acting convincing and moving.Depardieu is an excellent Valjean, articulate and ultimately tragic, while Malkovich is entirely convincing and gives us an unusually "human" Javert. Christian Clavier is splendidly scheming, selfish and low, while Virginie Ledoyen is suitably appealing as Cosette.This is a confident and intelligent production which is not afraid of its origins.