Les Misérables

A full-throated cast brings the long-running stage musical to the screen with barnstorming gusto

A full-throated cast brings the long-running stage musical to the screen with barnstorming gusto. And director Tom Hooper's daring decision to have his stars perform live pays off handsomely, particularly when Oscar-winning Anne Hathaway's destitute seamstress Fantine sings I Dreamed a Dream in one unbroken, supercharged take. Hathaway's co-stars are equally committed. Displaying his Broadway pedigree, Hugh Jackman leads the cast as ex-convict hero Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe gruffly gives his all as Valjean's implacable enemy, vengeful police inspector Javert and young lovers Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne pour their hearts into their roles. Apart from the ripe comic relief delivered by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as grasping innkeepers Monsieur and Madame Thénardier, it's all done with such sincerity that even non-fans of the show will find themselves hooked and ready to rush the barricades, too, for the stirring climax during the Paris Rebellion of 1832.