Les Miserables (1998)

76% of critics liked it
(41 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(36,058 ratings)

Bille August directed this Rafael Yglesias adaptation of the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo (1802-1885) about the quest of Inspector Javert to capture escaped convict Jean Valjean, originally an honest man who was jailed for stealing a single loaf of bread to feed the family of his starving sister.… More Bille August directed this Rafael Yglesias adaptation of the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo (1802-1885) about the quest of Inspector Javert to capture escaped convict Jean Valjean, originally an honest man who was jailed for stealing a single loaf of bread to feed the family of his starving sister. This new interpretation of Hugo's epic begins with Valjean (Liam Neeson), released after 20 years of cruelties and hard labor, reporting for parole in Dijon. Stopping at a bishop's house, he's treated with respect, but even so, he steals silverware, flees, and is captured. However, the bishop says the silverware was a gift, proving Valjean's innocence by giving him two silver candlesticks. Valjean is free, but the bishop asks him to treat others with equal kindness. By 1822, Valjean has risen to mayor of the village of Vigau, where he also maintains a successful factory. Joining the local police, Inspector Javert (Geoffrey Rush) is suspicious of Valjean's identity and eventually recognizes him as a former convict, but Javert has no proof when he carries his accusations to Paris. Valjean develops a relationship with Fantine (Uma Thurman), who lost her factory job because of local attitudes about her illegitimate daughter. The starving Fantine turns to prostitution, is arrested and tortured by Javert, and becomes ill. As she dies, Valjean promises to raise her daughter Cosette. Focusing on Valjean's life with Cosette (Claire Danes), the story is set amid the action of the July 1832 Revolution, a time when Cosette falls in love with a militant student, Marius (Hans Matheson). On the banks of the Seine, Valjean and Javert have their final confrontation. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 14 min.
Directed By: Bille August
Written By: Victor Hugo, Rafael Yglesias
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 1, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Nov 3, 1998
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, Variety
Without a doubt the most emotionally powerful and handsomely mounted production of the story yet.
Charles Taylor, Salon.com
The movie's whole virtuous conception of Jean Valjean sticks in my craw. He's haunted and hunted, but he reeks of a reasoned, noble superiority that's a pretty sterile quality in the hero of an epic.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
With a first-rate cast and a venerable storytelling style, it fluently condenses Victor Hugo's epic novel and retrieves some of its suspenseful momentum.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Towering over the entire film is Liam Neeson, the Irish actor who seems at home in any kind of picture, whether it transpires in contemporary America, World War II Germany, or centuries-ago Scotland.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
It never sinks, but it never really soars either, though here and there it hits a powerful moment.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
It contains the moments of high drama, clearly outlines all the motivations, is easy to follow and lacks only passion. A story filled with outrage and idealism becomes somehow merely picturesque.
Luisa F. Ribeiro, Boxoffice Magazine
[An] attractive, solid rendering of this popular classic.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
A beautiful testament to the strength of the human spirit. This version of Les Miserables is a triumph for everyone involved.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The new version is a traditional telling of the story, and there is nothing wrong with tradition.
Eugene Novikov, Film Blather
Somewhere, Victor Hugo must be rolling in his grave.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
With a group like this, and with Hugo's literature, who could lose?
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Victor Hugo's great novel Les Miserables has been translated to screen at least five times before. Leave it to Liam Neeson to make a sixth seem indispensable.
Gary Susman, Boston Phoenix
August's film won't make you forget the musical or the many previous movie versions, but an entertaining, stirring version of Hugo's tale of social justice is always welcome.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Illustrates the redemptive power of forgiveness and the destructive consequences of self-hate.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
August never manages to build any real momentum or urgency to pull the story along -- it's more like he wades through it, moving from one set-piece to the next with deliberate care.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
It's not that this is a bad film, after all it does have fine actors and it is based on a great story. It just doesn't live up to its predecessors.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

The book is great, read it before you see the movie. Then you'll see that this film could have been so much better than it was.
Randy T

A respectable presentation of Victor Hugo's classic novel. Kudos to Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes.
Jennifer D

I got a tad disinterested during the middle, but it picked back up again, luckily. Neeson and Rush are outstanding, as if I actually have to mention that. Having never read Les Miserables, I don't know about the adaption, but considering what a brick that book is, I'd say it… More
I got a tad disinterested during the middle, but it picked back up again, luckily. Neeson and Rush are outstanding, as if I actually have to mention that. Having never read Les Miserables, I don't know about the adaption, but considering what a brick that book is, I'd say it was probably done pretty well. Overall it could have been *a lot* worse. I do mean that.
Jay H

The only truly interesting plot line is the constant conflict between Neeson and Rush, both of whom were convincing in their roles. Everything else about the movie, however, is rather boring and mediocre in quality.
Morgan S

Not a bad adaption. I have a feeling that the book would be much too long for me to enjoy. Same for the older versions, Both Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush were fantastic. I just love Liam Neeson. Dont expect too much and I think youll find it enjoyable.
Leigh R

Much more dramatic then the 1978 version. I like this one much better. I really do need to read the novel though so I can compare which stays closest to the book. Wow, I just realize that I still have to see two more versions to make a complete analysis. I knew I needed to see the… More
Much more dramatic then the 1978 version. I like this one much better. I really do need to read the novel though so I can compare which stays closest to the book. Wow, I just realize that I still have to see two more versions to make a complete analysis. I knew I needed to see the original but I didn't know there was one also done in the 1950's. Every twenty years another one comes out. Geez...
Curtis L

Loved the cast. Leam Neeson isn't usually a favorite of mine, but his character was so darn likable you have to love him, sort of like Will Smith in 7 Pounds. I feel very drawn to selfless characters lately, maybe because I suck. Anyways, Uma Thurman is hot and dirty looking,… More
Loved the cast. Leam Neeson isn't usually a favorite of mine, but his character was so darn likable you have to love him, sort of like Will Smith in 7 Pounds. I feel very drawn to selfless characters lately, maybe because I suck. Anyways, Uma Thurman is hot and dirty looking, and her role is short lived. Geoffry Rush is a perfect mirror image of Neeson's character, and absolutely belevable as usual. Great stuff.
Jason S

Really great actors in a pretty good adaptation of the story.
Jeffrey M

Beautifully written, well shot, visually attractive, and very well acted, Les Miserables is a very solid period piece. I haven't seen any other adaptations, but the film obviously condensed a great amount of story (it could have easily been a miniseries), yet it was executed so… More
Beautifully written, well shot, visually attractive, and very well acted, Les Miserables is a very solid period piece. I haven't seen any other adaptations, but the film obviously condensed a great amount of story (it could have easily been a miniseries), yet it was executed so well that it didn't take away from the film's dramatic weight. What anchored the film throughout the time shifts, no doubt, was the excellent chemistry been Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. At just under 2.25 hours, the film always manages to be engaging, with a truly powerful theme of forgiveness and redemption. 4/5 Stars
Dannielle A

Best movie I've ever seen.
Naughtia N

This movie was great and highly entertaining. Liam Neeson stars as this man who has been 19 years in prison for stealing a bread. He gets out and starts a new life in a new location. He lives his life with a big heart and helps the unfortunate people in society. This movie really… More
This movie was great and highly entertaining. Liam Neeson stars as this man who has been 19 years in prison for stealing a bread. He gets out and starts a new life in a new location. He lives his life with a big heart and helps the unfortunate people in society. This movie really makes one feel like one should be better and more helpful. Awesome movie.
Brett W

an abridged and truncated but (for the most part) decently executed interpretation of Hugo's original work. Everyone has a British accent and over-emotes in Andrew Loyd Webber fashion but it's as well done as can be expected from a film translation of an epic novel.
Marion R

This is a good film with a great story. I was engaged throughout.
Ashton R

I love movies like this. The cat and mouse between two completely opposite men is at its best in this film. Geoffrey Rush and Liam Neeson compliment each other perfectly, and make for interesing encounters and amazing acting. One of my new faves.