Balubar, Bianca G.

BSED English 3
ASSIGNMENT ACTIVITY IN EL 106-TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT OF
LITERATURE STUDIES

MOVIE ANALYSIS: LES MISÉRABLES

Part I - Introduction and Genre Discussion

“Les Misérables” exceeds the limitations of a mere historical drama. Although
inescapably grounded in the 19th-century French setting, with its detailed description of
post-revolutionary France, poverty, and social turmoil, the film exceeds mere re-
enactment of history.it skillfully interweaves historical drama, music theatre, and social
commentary to produce a compelling and emotionally powerful movie experience. The
historical authenticity of the film is seen in its depiction of 19 th-century French society,
such as the stark contrast between the luxurious lives of the bourgeoisie and the
poverty experienced by the working class. It captures the social and political upheaval
of the time, such as the emergence of revolutionary movements and the fight for social
justice. Yet the film transcends mere historical record. It employs the historical context to
investigate universal themes of redemption, empathy, and the timelessness of love and
human resilience.
The musical numbers are essential to the success of the film. The energy and
emotion-packed songs like “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On my Own”, and “One Day More”
are more than just entertainment. They are emotional powerhouses that enable the
characters to express their innermost fears, desires, and hopes. These songs do not
only add to the dramatic effect of the story but also advancing the action. For example,
Fantine’s tearful performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” heartrendingly captures her fall
into despair, while “One Day More” encapsulates the shared hopes and fears of the
revolutionaries on the night of their rebellion.
In addition, the movie uses the musical genre to great effect in examining the
intricacies of human emotion. The unadorned, raw vocals and the close, intimate
camera work make the audience feel close to the characters and their plight. This
combination of historical drama, musical theater, and emotional depth raises “Les
Misérables above a simple history retelling. It makes it a timeless and classic piece of
art that continues to touch hearts today.

Part II – Quoted Lines and Explanation

I chose the line “To love another person is to see the face of God”, spoken by
Bishop Myriel to jean Valjean (approximately 1:30:00). This line encapsulates the film’s
core theme of redemption. Through the Bishop’s generosity and pardon, Jean Valjean
does not only escape new sentence of imprisonment but also awakens a contained
transhumanism in himself. This meeting is a decisive change point which pushes Jean
Valjean out the bars of his former life and towards a life of upright honesty and empathy.
This sentence is very close to my heart, because it means that the transformative power
of human goodness lies in the hands of some, and a total gangster fallen from grace
can be saved. It reminds me that forgiveness, when offered genuinely, can be a
powerful catalyst for positive change, both in the lives of the recipient and the giver.

Part III – Movie Presentation and Discussion

“Les Misérables” was an emotionally wrenching experience. Having the power to
bring me to tears repeatedly, in addition to the emotionally evocative songs like “I
Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own”, and to the distressing sight of poverty and
oppression to which those less fortunate are subjected. Therefore, due to its strict
storyline, its striking OST and its profound story, it offered a highly immersive,
emotionally appealing and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Not only the scale but the impressiveness and the grandeur of the musical and of
the sequences “One Day More”, were remarkable. It produced the most enchanting
effect because of the elaborate staging, the masterful vocal, and the acting that
changed in accordance with the movement. Although in the main rhythm in the movie is
fast, there are some of the first scenes a screening of the film depicts the process of
Jean Valjean’s imprisonment that at least seems to be slow enough so as to seem
cliché to a great majority of viewers (though they may already have heard of the story),
unless viewers look out for fact that these scenes move beyond just crude, empathic
description.
“Les Misérables” has an extremely poignant discussion on justice and mercy.
While justice and mercy. While justice demands adherence to the law and the punish of
wrongdoing, the film argues that a rigid adherence to the law can sometimes be
counterproductive and that acts of mercy can have a profound and transformative
impact on individuals and society. Jean Valjean’s odyssey, for is a telling demonstration
of this. When the bishop transcends a selfless act of forgiveness, it not only ensures
that Jean Valjean is never again imprisoned but also triggers a latent human capacity
within him which drives him to rid himself of the shackles of his former life in search of a
life of integrity and benevolence.
The film offers a stark and unflinching critique of the social and economic
inequalities that plague 19th-century France. The leisure of the bourgeoisie is juxtaposed
with abject poverty and destitution of the working class, which expose the sharp
cleavages of the social structure. The movie depicts the plight of the working class, the
exploitation of the rich and the desperate search for an improved life. It powerfully
depicts the systemic injustices that fueled social unrest and revolution, reminding us
that the fight for social justice and equality is an ongoing struggle.
Stealing bread to save a starving nephew is a morally complex act. While
breaking the law is wrong, the act was driven by a fundamental human need the need to
protect a life. In this case, the law should be softened with care and empathy. Punishing
Jean Valjean severely for this act would have been a grave injustice, considering the
dire circumstances he faced. In the film, justice is highlighted as being about carefully
crafting an appraisal of the case at hand and also considering the possibility for human
improvement.
Javert, the relentless police inspector, is a complex and tragic character. Driven
by a rigid sense of duty and an unwavering belief in the law, he becomes obsessed with
capturing Jean Valjean. His behavior, though appearing to be justified by an ideal of
justice, is at its base misguided from a distorted representation of reality and fear of the
unknown. Javert’s loss of ability to understand the nuances of human experience, and
the possibility of salvation, brings about the fatal error of his own demise. His
personality is a warning about the risks of literal application of rules and the need to see
people as people.
The film explores the multifaceted nature of love in all its forms. Maternal Love:
Fantine’s unwavering love for her daughter, Cosette is a powerful and moving portrayal
of maternal sacrifice and resilience. Paternal Love: Jean Valjean’s love for Cosete, born
out of a sense of Duty and evolving into a deep and profound fatherly affection, is a
testament to the transformative power of love and the importance of family. Romantic
Love: there is also a sweet foil to the grim realities of life around them in the developing
relationship of Marius and Cosette, a shot of humanity and the strength of love to prevail
over all opposition. Brotherhood: the bonds of camaraderie among the revolutionaries,
united in their fight for freedom and justice, demonstrate the power of collective action
and the importance of solidarity.
The themes on the film are redemption, social justice, and the enduring power of
love. Redemption: the central theme of the film is the possibility of redemption for even
the most hardened criminals. Jean Valjean’s life can be seen as a strong example of the
rehabilitating role of compassion and forgiveness. Social Justice: “Les Misérables”
strongly criticizes social injustice and injustice, even if it points the finger at the destitute
and tries to achieve a fairer society. It is reminder of the fact that struggle for social
justice is an eternal task that must be guarded and undertaken collectively. The
Enduring Power of Love: love in its various forms compassion, family, and romantic is
shown to be a powerful force for good, capable of inspiring acts of courage and self-
sacrifice.
Jean Valjean’s primary motivation is redemption. After years of imprisonment for
stealing bread to feed his starving nephew, he is consumed by guilt and a desire to
escape his criminal past. The bishop’s act of extraordinary kindness ignites a spark of
hope within him, inspiring him to break free from the chains of his past and strive for a
life of honesty and compassion. There is this very force which dictates his behavior over
the course of the film, which ultimately motivates him to save Cosette, become a
businessman of success, and in the end, to make the final sacrifice for the good of
others. this source of motivation the desire for redemption and a better life is something
many people can relate to. None of us are perfect, and the wish to finally get over old
transgressions and go on to forge a better future is human, universal.
Javert is driven by an unwavering belief in the law and a rigid sense of duty. He
lives and think in black and white, living and breathing the law to the letter and seeing
every deviation as a threat to law and order. His fixation in building Jean Valjean
remains an expression of his implacable pursuit of enforcing the law and his inability to
understand the relief and the kindness of mercy. This unwavering adherence to his
principles, while seemingly admirable, ultimately binds him to the complexities of human
nature and the potential for redemption. Although his motivation might not resonate with
everyone, it serves as a reminder of how easy it can be to fall prey to inflexible rules,
and the need to acknowledge the humanity of others.
Fantine is primarily motivated by her unwavering love for her daughter, Cosette.
She is rejected by her lover, left destitute and condemned by the community, enduring
great suffering and giving up everything to protect her daughter. It is her passion for
Cosette that enables her to withstand the most unbearable suffering, and to show the
strength of maternal love and the extremes to which a mother will go on to shield her
child. This powerful motivation, the love for a child is deeply relatable to many people,
as it resonates with the universal human experience of parental love and the desire to
provide for and protect one’s offspring.
The title “Les Misérables” which translates to “The Miserables” or “The
Wretched”, underscores the plight of the impoverished and downtrodden characters in
the story. It highlights the harsh realities of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of
ordinary people to survive in a world marked by inequality and oppression.

Part IV – Alternate Response to the Movie

In this sequel, which takes place several years after the events of the movie,
Jean Valjean, now an old man, leads a peaceful life in a secluded village. He is a well-
respected member of society, admired for his kindness and generosity. His past,
however, catches up with him when Javert’s son, a young idealistic police officer
becomes fixated on discovering Jean Valjean’s real identity.
Pursued by the motivation to maintain his father’s reputation, the young Javert
probes Jean Valjean’s history, learning the facts of his courage, actions and sacrifices.
As he starts out intent on prosecuting Jean Valjean, the young Javert eventually comes
to realize the multidimensionality of his father’s fixation and the realities of redemption.
As young Javerts struggles to come to terms with his own understanding of
justice and compassion, he learns the important lessons of forgiveness, and mercy,
recognizing the humanness of other people. He decides to cover for Jean Valjean’s
secret so the old man may spend the remaining years of his life in tranquility.