Thank God for “Les Mis” (& Victor Hugo)

I’ve become so critical of movies over the years that even though movies are inexpensive here in Malaysia ($3 – $4 per release), I find myself darkening the doors of the cinema less and less. And there is good reason for that – the nature of Hollywood’s vapid, pop-culture releases which lack heart, emotion, and other basics which make up the essence of the human experience.

In walks “Les Miserables”.  Thank God.

For one thing, it’s hard to say that a musical represents authentic human expression since it’s not often that jailbirds, prostitutes, crooks, or fugitives break out into spontaneous song. But if we look at the songs as a metaphorical expression of human emotion, then “Les Mis” strikes a chord that could soften the heart of the staunchest Grinch. (It’s still close enough to Christmas that I can use Grinch, isn’t it?)

Director Tom Hooper’s vision of 19^th century France is stunning. The portrayal of injustices – vivid. Novelist Victor Hugo enwraps the trials of Jean Valjean in a moral tale about courage, justice, and above all else – making correct choices, even when it is difficult.

This is precisely the reason that the movie rendition of “Les Mis” has affected me so much. Hollywood has been throwing us so many stories which lack the themes, trials, and moral fortitude of the classics of literature. Post-modernism has so infiltrated the visual and performing arts that there is a nakedness about their artwork that reveals its true intent – meaninglessness. But people don’t crave meaninglessness. They crave purpose. They crave identification with trials and struggles that serve as universal examples of human experience. It is beyond refreshing to have someone stand up and articulate a meaningful, thought-provoking, and (dare I say it) Christian themed movie that makes the audience think deeply about the choices we make and the personal and societal obligations we have toward those in need.

The classic cat and mouse struggle between Javert and Valjean explodes off the screen louder than any sci-fi explosion or Hollywood green-screen created CGI.  In addition, the desperate, heart-wrenching performance of Anne Hathaway brings a sense of raw emotion rarely felt in the cinema world today.

Hugo’s timeless tale of adventure, redemption, courage, and morality is needed now more than ever in today’s world, but unfortunately the classics of literature are fading away in our schools. Did anyone happen to see the federal government’s new national guidelines for literature? They demand that government technical manuals are read in the classrooms up to 50% of the time while pushing many timeless classics out of the English classroom. Sadly, this is the state of education and the state of the arts. (Don’t get me started on the theater and what’s happening on the stage these days. That’s an entirely different post altogether.)

I salute the makers of “Les Miserables” and I only hope that Hollywood will take notice. People are craving to see movies with substance and meaning. Don’t sell us short. We are sick of the meaningless, big screen explosion drivel you’ve been serving for years.  At least I am.