An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.
Acting
Hathaway's 'I Dreamed a Dream' — live vocals, one take, legend.
Direction
Tom Hooper shoved cameras in faces and dared actors to blink.
Score
Every line sung live on set — no studio safety net.
Director
Tom Hooper
Hugh Jackman
Jean Valjean
Russell Crowe
Javert
Amanda Seyfried
Cosette
Anne Hathaway
Fantine
Eddie Redmayne
Marius Pontmercy
Sacha Baron Cohen
Monsieur Thénardier
Helena Bonham Carter
Madame Thénardier
Aaron Tveit
Enjolras
Samantha Barks
Éponine Thénardier
Daniel Huttlestone
Gavroche
Fra Fee
Courfeyrac
Hugh Skinner
Joly
Alistair Brammer
Prouvaire
Killian Donnelly
Combeferre
Adam Pearce
Brujon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Anne Hathaway's 'I Dreamed a Dream' was shot in one continuous take with a camera circling her face, and she cut her actual hair on camera. No CGI, no prosthetics — just commitment.
The 1985 West End musical this adapts has run continuously for nearly 40 years, making this film's 'live singing' approach a direct rejection of the polished studio recordings audiences expected.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
GB
