Les Mis

Sandy and I went to see the film version of the musical Les Miserables last Monday night. We’ve seen the stage production twice, the first time at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio, my favorite theater in the world. Victor Hugo’s novel is my #1 favorite novel of all time. Yes, even better than Lord of the Rings. I’ve read it twice, all 1,463 pages. The film version of the musical is stunning. It captures the spirit and passion of the novel. It is one of the best films I’ve ever seen.

Les Miserables is the story of the redemption of a hardened convict set in 19^th century France. Only two novels have reduced me to tears, and this is one. And yes, I was fighting back tears at the end of the film. Victor Hugo, a master story-teller, weaves the separate storylines of a number of characters into one grand tapestry of tragedy, betrayal, heroism, and redemption. I grow weary of the typical Hollywood revenge plots. I’m not inspired by so-called heroes that “save-the-day” by blowing away all the bad guys. I am inspired by the bishop that shows Jean Valjean the shocking grace of God. One of my favorite lines in the novel about the bishop is: “He did not study God; he was dazzled by Him.” I am inspired by the relentless determination of Valjean to serve God in response to his redemption.

This story inspires me, and makes me want to be a better pastor, a better human being. The film production of the musical succeeds in capturing the passion of the novel through the music. If Valjean’s song, “Who Am I?” and Fantine’s “I Dreamed a Dream” don’t move your heart you don’t have a heart. The story Victor Hugo told 150 years ago is essentially a retelling of the gospel. It’s the story of the glory of God revealed in the redemption of a wicked man and bursting forth out of tragedy. In the novel one of the last things Jean Valjean says is, “It is nothing to die; it is horrible not to live.”

In my opinion, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen this incredible film.

http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com/