Les Misérables

Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), released from prison after serving more than a decade for a petty crime, finds there’s no work for an ex-con, and he changes his identity. Pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) for breaking parole, Valjean does good deeds, adopting a young girl and raising her against the backdrop of revolutionary France. Based on the musical adaptation of the Victor Hugo classic.

ClearPlay In Action!

Those familiar with the soundtrack will not be surprised that some musical numbers are centered on the lascivious (“Lovely Ladies,” “Master of the House”), and the 2012 version takes advantage of the bawdy possibilities. The ClearPlayed version cuts scenes of lewdness and implied intercourse, some scenes of violence, blood and disturbing images, and about 20 profanities. The movie deals with death, promiscuity and war, so it may upset younger viewers. But it also deals with love, forgiveness and atonement, so you can decide if your kids are up to the task.

Should I go – would Hugo – rent Les Miz?...

If you’re a fan of this musical, odds are you’ve already seen it. I’ve loved it for 25 years and couldn’t wait for the filmed version. The verdict? The decision to record the singing during filming (usually actors lip synch to their recorded voices) offers spotty results: some songs suffer from under-production, while others carry newfound power through the intimacy of the performance. Overall, a brilliant effort. And I cried for almost all of its 2 hours and 38 minutes.

Marty Nabhan - ClearPlay Revolutionary

Rated PG-13 for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements; 158 min; Directed by Tom Hooper