My first memory of hearing the songs of  Les Miserables was in middle school, while driving to visit my grandparents with my family. My dad and I spent the entire trip listening to the musical, pausing sporadically so he could explain to me what each song was about. Jean Valjean’s struggle to escape his criminal past, the love between Cosette and Marius, and the child soldier Gavroche were inspiring. My interest was not dimmed when I saw the musical on stage in New York City.

Because I have a history with Les Miserables, I was eager to see, and admittedly, skeptical of, the movie version that was released Christmas day.  I was worried that the actors, because the majority came from Hollywood and not Broadway, would not perform at the level needed to tell such a dramatic story.

I am glad to say that most of my doubts were abolished once the film began. The cinematography has been criticized as shaky and too close-up, but I found it to be unique. Faces portray emotion, and by seeing the faces often, the hardships of each character were tremendously evident.

In my opinion, the standout performances were Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, and Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen playing the Thénardiers. Jackman’s and Hathaway’s performances were exceptionally done, and Bonham Carter and Cohen added an extra spark of humor into their characters which I felt was good comic relief. I also think that the Friends of the ABC, notably Eddie Redmayne as Marius and Aaron Tveitt as Enjolras are worth mentioning. Tveitt is a “Broadway Boy” making his Hollywood debut, and he does so effortlessly.

The film did something I never thought would happen; it has made people who would never sit through a live musical thoroughly enjoy the story of Jean Valjean. More people were able to experience the story because of the Hollywood lure, and although I wish everyone would see it live, I think it’s admirable that this film was able to open thousands of eyes into the world of musicals and the theater. Bravo.