Analysis of the movie “Les Miserables”

Adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo

A requirement in the class of 2022-2023

For English 10

By
Eunice Zandy E. Bonaobra
10 - Argon
A. TITLE

What does the title suggest? Does it give a clue about what the story is about?

The title "Les Misérables" translates to The Miserable Ones or The Wretched One in English,
giving us a hint or idea about the story—about people who live miserably, struggling to
overcome the challenges and obstacles they face. It is also about the social injustices during that
time that are still present in today's society.

B. CHARACTERS

1. Who are the characters in the story? Describe each of them.

Jean Valjean - The male protagonist; He spends nineteen years in prison and galleys for stealing
a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. After his release from prison, he transforms into a
repentant, honorable, and dignified man. He becomes kind, a devoted father figure to Cosette,
and a generous benefactor to those in need. Despite being a convicted criminal and a parolee,
Jean Valjean matures morally to represent the best qualities of humanity.

Inspector Javert - the antagonist; He was once a jailer before becoming a police inspector. He is
devoted to his job and characterized by his legalistic propensities and lack of empathy for all
types of criminals. He becomes obsessed with the pursuit and punishment of Jean Valjean
violates his parole.

Fantine - She's a young, beautiful naive grisette. An unmarried woman abandoned after being
pregnant. She had no choice but to look after her child on her own. She eventually sold her
possessions, hair, and tooth and became a prostitute to send money to her daughter.

Cosette - Fantine's daughter who lives as a servant for the Thénardiers. She was rescued and
adopted by Valjean, knowing nothing about her past. At seventeen, she meets and falls in love
with Marius and eventually marries him.

Marius Pontmercy - He is a handsome, romantic, and sweet suitor of Cosette. He is also

compassionate and courageous as a law student who joins to fight for French freedom. Marius is
passionate about his beliefs, so he is thrilled at the prospect of abandoning his studies to fight for
his causes. He's also a romantic and will defy just as hard for what and who he loves.
Eponine Thenardier - She's the daughter of the Thenardiers, who owned their inn. When she
was a child, she was a spoiled and pampered child. Eponine grows up and moves to Paris with
her family, where they experience financial difficulties. She is now impoverished and survives by
assisting her father in breaking the law.

She is a young woman who is streetwise and rigid but is also sensitive and lonely. She represents
unrequited love as she's in love with Marius, knowing he will never love her. She bravely
follows Marius to the Barricades, hoping they will die together. Eponine is a tragic character,
hopelessly in love with Marius.

Gavroche - He's a young, Artful Dodger who has been left to fend for himself and lives by his
wits in the streets of Paris. His "arch enemy" is Inspector Javert. This kid drew my attention
because he is brave and witty. He dared to fight for their freedom. Aside from General
Lamarque, he also led the 1832 June Rebellion, also understood as the Paris Uprising.

Thenardier - the husband of Madame Thenardier and the father of Eponine and Gavroche. He is
the true villain of Les Miserables. He is an embodiment of evil. He enjoys cheating, robbing,
fraud, and blackmail. He is a greedy, brutal, ridiculous, crafty, and yet irresistible man who hates
society and blames it and everyone else for all his misfortune.

Madame Thenardier - She is the mother of Epinone and wife of Thenardier-they were literally
partners in crime, and despite her complaints about him, she still loves him. She is characterized
as coarse, vulgar, and ungrateful for no apparent reason. She is also romantic, greedy, stupid, and
evil.

Bishop Myriel - The Bishop of Digne is a good man. He saved Jean Valjean's soul for God and
served as hope for continuing his life and transforming into a better person—a repentant,
honorable, and dignified man who will also help others.

2. Are the casts appropriate for their roles? Have they effectively taken part of their roles
through their acting and delivery?

Yes. For me, the actors effectively portrayed their respective characters. Jackman's portrayal of
Jean Valjean effectively conveyed the character's journey from a desperate prisoner to a noble
and selfless hero; Hathaway's performance as Fantine also stood out, particularly her rendition of
the iconic song "I Dreamed a Dream." Her portrayal effectively conveyed the character's
desperation and tragedy; Crowe's portrayal of Javert portrayed the character's unwavering sense
of duty and justice. I can't elaborate on it anymore, but I can say that all actors are perfect or
suitable for their roles.
3. Who among the characters do you like most in the movie? Why?

Jean Valjean because he proves that a person can still change and become a better person no
matter how evil or sinful they are. He also showed that no matter how dark the night is, there's
always a moon or candles to provide light. And as long as you are alive, there is still hope, so
keep going.

I like his character development from a prisoner or thief to a kind, generous, honorable and
repentant man.

4. Who among the characters do you dislike most in the movie? Discuss your answer very well as
you give details about it.

The characters that I dislike the most are the Thenardiers because they are opportunistic, greedy,
abusive, and manipulative. Their actions contribute to the suffering of many characters in the
story and are a reminder of the dark side of human nature.

C. SETTING

1. What is the setting of the story and what are the ways in which the setting contributes to the
story being told?

The setting of the story Les Misérables is primarily in France, spanning from the early 19th
century to the June Rebellion of 1832. The novel takes place in various locations throughout
France, including the city of Paris and the rural town of Montreuil-sur-mer. The setting
contributes to the story by providing context, creating tension and urgency, and shaping the
characters and their experiences. It serves as a critical element in the novel's exploration of
societal issues and the human experience.

2. Are the places, props, and costumes used in the movie exhibit the story realistically? How?

If I'm not mistaken, this film was shooted in various locations across France. The film depicts the
story realistically and historically because the places and props are appropriate, such as
cobblestone streets, gas lamps, carriages, and period-specific clothing. The costumes worn by the
characters reflect the era's fashion and social techniques.

D. STORY ELEMENTS

Conflict
1. What is the conflict in the story?

The injustices of 19th French society included widespread poverty, disease, sex labor, unjust
imprisonment, and more.

Jean Valjean was being hunted by his past.

● While transitioning from a prisoner/thief to an honest man, Valjean struggles to live a

peaceful life. Over the years, he has fought to stay one step ahead of the morally strict
and obsessed police inspector Javert, who is constantly pursuing him. He also struggles to
raise Cosette while keeping his secrets and his past, and also about Cosette's parents,
especially her mother.

How did the central character deal with the conflict?

Jean Valjean's internal conflict is resolved when he is on his deathbed and reveals his past/story
to Marius and Cosette. He also tells Cosette about her mother. Cosette forgives him, and they
reconcile, allowing Valjean to die peacefully. Though the world's injustices continue, Valjean's
character represents the possibility of growth and redemption through love.

Plot

1. What technique is used in telling the events of the story?

Les Misérables tells the story through a combination of narrative prose and dramatic musical
dialogue. The majority of it is delivered through songs.

2. What is the key moment in the story, the scene which brings illumination or an “ah-ha”
moment?

The story's pivotal moment is when Jean Valjean has an epiphany after stealing silver from the
Bishop of Digne and being shown mercy by the Bishop. The Bishop's kindness and compassion
for Valjean affected him, causing him to reconsider his actions. He suddenly realizes that he has
been living his life in rage and bitterness and that the Bishop's merciful act has shown him a
different path. He decides to turn his life around and become an honest and compassionate man,
dedicating himself to helping others and making amends for his past actions.

Mood and Tone

What is the mood in the story? How about the tone?

The mood in Les Misérables is complex and varied, shifting between hope, despair, triumph, and
tragedy. Poverty, social injustice, and redemption are some of the novel's heavy themes.

On the other hand, the novel's tone is often moralistic and philosophical, with the narrator and
characters engaging in lengthy discussions about social justice, religion, and ethics. Despite the
novel's serious subject matter, there are also romantic and sentimental moments, particularly in
the relationships of characters such as Marius and Cosette. These scenes help to balance the
story's darker elements and provide a sense of emotional depth and complexity. As a result, the
film is both uplifting and heartbreaking, moralistic and sentimental, making it a rich and
engaging watch.

Musical scoring/background

1. Are the background music used enhanced to what the filmmakers were trying to tell? How
would you use music in the movie?

Yes, and If I were to use music in the movie, I would approach it in a similar way, using the
music to advance the plot and develop the characters. Music can be a powerful tool for evoking
emotions and creating atmosphere, and can be used to create a sense of tension or release in a
scene. I would also use music to establish a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the
film, creating a musical theme that ties together the various characters and storylines.

2. Was the background music used to evoke an emotional state while watching the movie?
Explain.

Yes, background music was used to elicit an emotional response from the audience, drawing
them into the story and heightening the emotional impact of the film's scenes. The music is an
integral part of the film's storytelling and helps to convey the characters' thoughts and feelings.

Theme

What life Lessons can be learned from the choices made by the characters in the story?

Yes. The choices made by the characters in the story offer many important life lessons, from the
power of forgiveness to the importance of standing up for justice and showing compassion to
others.
 ● The power of forgiveness: After being shown mercy by the Bishop, Jean Valjean decides
to change his life and become a better person, showing mercy and compassion to others
along the way, which taught us that love and compassion are the most important gifts one
person can give another and that always displaying these qualities should be the most
significant goal in life.

● Standing-up for justice: The revolutionaries' commitment to justice and willingness to

fight for what is right even if their life is at risk is an inspiring example of bravery and
dedication.

● Javert is uncompromising in his enforcement of the law. But he doesn't just do it out of
duty, It also brings him massive pleasure when he's tracking down and arresting
criminals. No wonder that his world turns upside down when Jean Valjean saves him
from being killed by a gang of French rebels. This single act breaks Javert's moral code
and destroys Javert's sense of right and wrong. His narcissistic trait or belief that he is
always right and his refusal to show mercy or compassion ultimately led to his downfall.

Relevance of the story

What are the most dramatic issues relevant to our time that have been presented in the movie?
How are these issues presented and how do they relate to the times in which we live?

Les Misérables is a powerful and timeless story that speaks to some of the most pressing issues
of our time. The film's themes of poverty, social inequality, political oppression, and the struggle
for human rights and justice continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the
ongoing challenges we face in building a more just and equitable world.

Social Injustice and Human Rights: As the characters fight against oppression and exploitation in
their own ways. This theme is still relevant today, as people around the world continue to fight
for basic human rights, including access to healthcare, education, and a fair justice system.

Until now, injustice and inequality have been rampant, causing many people to suffer, and this is
because there are still abusive people that use their money, power, and privileges to harm and
make other people suffer. Nonetheless, many people are still fighting and willing to sacrifice to
achieve desired freedom, justice, and equality.

Issues dealt with in the novel are universal and still resonate — the rights of women,
intergenerational conflict, cruelty of the justice system, failure of society's institutions, and more.