Les Misérables movie analysis

Title: Les Misérables

Genre: Historical Fiction, Musical
Characters: 
Jean Valjean - an ex-convict who became a successful businessman.
Javert - the policeman who hunts Jean Valjean for decades
Fantine - a poor working-class girl who have been fired by her coworkers for indecency. Mother of Cosette.
Cosette- the child who rescued by Jean Valjean from Thénardiers. Daughter of Fantine.
Thénardiers - dishonest couples who scam customers to gain money and treated Cosette with cruelty. Parents of Eponine
Eponine - daughter of Thénardiers. She is inlove with Marius and acts as a messenger between the 2. (Marius and Cosette)
Marius- a man inlove with Cosette. 

Setting: France. Nineteenth century french uprising.

Plot: Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Theme: Poverty. The most important theme the novel examines is that of transformation, in the individual and in society. Jean Valjean, the chief protagonist, is transformed from a misanthropic and potentially violent ex-convict to a man capable of heroic love and self-sacrifice. 

Symbolism: Silver Candle Holder - Symbolizes faith, love and hope. Jean Valjean received the silverware from bishop myriel when he was arrested after stealing some silverware. For me it was the turning point in Jean Valjean's life. He surrendered to God to become a better, honest and loving person. 

1. What does the title mean in relation to the film as a whole? - The film Les Miserables for me is a reflection of what France was in its dark times. The degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of women by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and social asphyxia. Les Miserables shows the different sides of men. Men can achieve his dreams if given a chance. The miserable ones, as the title of the film depicts the suffering of french men in the nineteenth century. The characters Jean Valjean, Fantine, Javert, Cosette, Thénardiers and Eponine shows the title of the film ( Les Mesirables). Jean Valjean was miserable in first part of the story for he was an ex-convict looking for a job and opportunity after being paroled with condition but broke it. Javert was also miserable because he wasn't able to capture Jean Valjean and keep on evading him for decades. Fantine was also mesirable cause she lost her job in a factory and was not able to provide for cosette although she sold her hair, tooth and dignity in exchange for a few francs. Cosette the poor little daughter of Fantine was struggling to survive in the inn were Thenardiers own. Thenardiers can also be consider miserable because even they own an inn but they were still incapable to lift there social status. They were stealing their customers personal belongings and doing some tricks to increase income. While Eponine their daughter was jealous to Cosette because his beloved Marius was inlove to Cosette.

2. Among the characters, to whom can you relate to? - I can relate to Jean Valjean and Fantine. Jean Valjean was an honest man but due to poverty and starvation, he stole bread to feed his starving sister and her family. Same with Fantine, she sold her hair, tooth and her dignity for her daughter Cosette. I can relate to these two characters because I will do anything as well for the benefit of my loved ones. Though I've made wrong choices in life the important is I've found my way back again. As for Jean Valjean his turning point was when he has no place to stay yet he was welcome by the bishop and though he stole and ran away from the convent he was still welcomed by the bishop and called him brother. In Fantine's case, her turning point was when she was rescued by Jean Valjean from the authorities after being accused of harassment by a gentleman. She accepted Jean Valjean and trusted men again. I also have my turning point in life, meeting the right partner and helped me chose the right path. Though I was given a lot of chances and opportunities I think this is the right and last one. :)

3. Which part of the presentation struck you the most? Why? - When Fantine lost her job in a factory and out of desperation to send some money for her daughter Cosette, Fantine sold her hair, tooth and her dignity for a few pieces of francs. That part for me struck the most because you can feel the love of a parent to his/her child. The degree of scene was intense and the message that was presented was clear as well. Even though she lost her trust to men but she still managed to recover because she didn't lost her faith. Jean Valjean brought her to the hospital but she died and Jean Valjean promised to take care of her daughter.

4. What is the movie’s message? - The message of the movie was about faith, love, acceptance, the will to survive, sacrifice, hope, patriotism, social status and a lot more. When Jean Valjean was down and had no one to cling on, he met the bishop of digne who accepted and welcomed him as a brother on the convent. Jean became an honest man and lived a normal life as a mayor through his faith and acceptance. Fantine showed her love for her daughter Cosette by sacrificing and even selling her hair, tooth and her dignity for a couple of francs. The will to survive was shown by Monsieur Thenardier and Madame Thenardier. They own the inn were cosette lives. The Thenardier's were keen in stealing their customers belongings to live an easy life. Enjolras as the leader of  Les Amis de l'ABC (Friends of the ABC) showed hope and patriotism to his fellow comrades. There are a lot of messages in film that depicts anyone in the society even today.

5. Did I like this in general? Why? - Yes, Once Victor Hugo's novel, then Cameron Mackintosh's stage musical, and now Tom Hooper's movie, the beloved tale of lives in the gutters of the 19th century France. The film was almost identical to the stage version. Apparently this was one adaptation effort too many. Les Mesirables is extraordinarily sentimental, and will be challenging to some and catnip to others. For me the film was as expected with high impact. The message and lessons learned were clear and I was hoping for more.

6. Did I agree with the main theme/purpose? Why or why not? Yes, The most important theme the novel examines is that of transformation, in the individual and in society. Jean Valjean, the chief protagonist, is transformed from a misanthropic and potentially violent ex-convict to a man capable of heroic love and self-sacrifice. Jean Valjean was changed that he took care of Fantine's daughter Cosette and chose to do the right thing even it cause harm on him.

7. What specifically did I like/dislike? Why? - I like the way Victor Hugo pointed out the nature of man. The will to change showed by Jean Valjean and the perseverance shown by Javert as he pursuit Jean for decades. The love of Fantine for Cosette and the patriotism of the students involved in the uprising. I also like the time selected by Hugo and location. Well thought of one thing I don't like in Les Miserables, it was shorten in the film compared to the stage though it was almost identical. I like the musical theme as well cause nowadays films are just narrative or first person conversation while the Les Miserables was different. New generation viewers often expected none musical cause it is usually presented in theaters. 

Just to share while I'm in manila for business, lunch time in taft avenue I was starving and I was looking for a place to take my lunch but then I'm in a hurry so I decided to eat in a fast food chain (Jollibee). I was eating and there was two conyos (Rich kids?). They were talking loud and clear on the other table just behind me and the topic was about Les Miserables. I was so shocked that they were talking as if they love it, but then to my surprised they can't even pronounce the movie right. They were bored about it and they can't appreciate the singing of the script . It is one example how the viewers react to the film. New generations can barely appreciate the musical theme, sad to say.

8. Are there any aspects of theme which are left ambiguous at the end? Why? - The degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of women by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and social asphyxia are not solved. In the end of the film Jean Valjean was happy and contented for Cosette and the song of the people were sung again for freedom but man were still hungry and women are ruin by starvation as well as the dwarfing of childhood. Though I was not able to read the book itself I was hoping in the film that Tom Hooper may uplift the lives of the french.

9. How does this film relate to the things that are happening in your life? - Some scenes on the film are quite same to whats happening in my life today. I'll do anything for my loved ones. We always face hard choices in life that we thought we couldn't handle. These are just test to what we will become in the future. It is hard to leave someone you truly loved, but it is hurts the most and painful to the one's left behind. But then we need to make some sacrifices for ourselves and for others. Word of honor is hard to prove now a days. 

Life of Pi

Title: Life of Pi (fiction)
Characters: Surat Sharma- Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel
                  Tiger- Richard Parker
Setting: Pacific Ocean
Theme: The Journey of a Lifetime
Symbolism: The Algae Island
            The island itself is symbolic as it offers temporary salvation to Pi, but he must leave the island because he discovered the lotus plant with a human tooth. His illusion of the island is shattered. There is a kind of heaven and hell associated with day and night. By day the meerkats eat without having to kill and show no fear, even of Richard Parker. At night, the island becomes carnivorous and the ecosystem feeds on itself. The island is just a mere illusion that fools anyone who finds hope in it.

Plot:
Pi Patel, the precocious son of a zoo keeper. Dwellers in Pondicherry, India, the family decides to move to Canada, hitching a ride on a huge freighter. After a shipwreck, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a 26-foot lifeboat with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, all fighting for survival.

After the tragic sinking of a ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the Pacific ocean, inside there is an Indian boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra, a female orangutan and a Bengal tiger, the only survivors of the wreck, it's a tale of faith, hope and fighting for survival.


1. What does the title mean in relation to the film as a whole?
-It tells the story of a journey of Pi Patel from his childhood until he became adult. How he struggle from the death of his family until his journey in the Pacific where he experienced hunger, thirst and fear; in his discovery of the algae island where he found false hope because of his desperation up to the end of the story where Richard Parker left him without saying goodbye.

2. Among the characters, to whom can you relate to?
-I chose Pi Patel because like him, I experience hunger, thirst and sufferings. And like him, I also survived and still keep going on because we have 1 thing in common which is, we both have faith.

3.Which part of the presentation struck you the most? Why?
-the part where Richard Parker (tiger) looked like dying after the storm. He was tired and stressed having that long journey in the middle of the ocean where there's no fresh water to drink and just a little meat to eat. He's a brute living on land and he's not capable of surviving in the ocean.

4. What is the movie's message?
-It's all about accepting what life has given us and embrace with arms wide open because God will not give us problems and trials we cannot conquer. It's all about faith.

5. Did I like this on general? why?
-Yes, because it tells the reality of a life of a human being where challenges and trials test our faith. It enlightened us to see the positive in negative things.

6. Did I agree with the main theme/purpose? Why or why not?
-Yes, because it show our purpose in life through our experiences and learning from the circumstances that life is giving us.

7.What specifically did I like/dislike? why?
-the part I like where Richard Parker (tiger) had survived the journey after he was about to die after the storm because I don't want him to die in the movie.

8. Are there any aspects of theme which are ambiguous at the end? why?
-the island that turns carnivorous during night time because it releases acid that kills living creature.

9. How does this film relate to the things that are happening in your life?
-By conquering all those challenges and trials that life is giving me. Having the faith to all that is happening and lending it to God.

Hidden Mystery

In the deepest depths of you and me
In the deepest depths of we
Lies the most beautiful jewel
Shining forth eternally

Within that precious jewel
Within that priceless piece of we
Lies a time beyond all time
Lies a place beyond all space

Within that sacred source of radiance
Lies a love beyond all love
Waiting         
Waiting                    
Waiting
Ever so patiently

Waiting for you, waiting for me
Waiting patiently for all to see
The beauty that is you inside of me
The beauty that is me inside of thee

In the deepest depths of you and me
In the deepest depths of we
Lies the love and wisdom
Of all Eternity

I chose this wonderful poem about a couple who both has the deepest depths of love for each other which every loving couple should be inspired of. I like every single line which describes what love means and how love should be. 

assignment

Time has passing by so fast to welcome 2013. Back from the previous year,  when 365 days of 2012 had been part of my memories. So much learning from myself, others and from the people as a whole to look forward to, and the realizations that have to be learned.

Here are some of my learning and realizations:
1. "There are people who like you if you have but ignored when you have nothing." I always kind to people around me but I had realized that even how much I'd like to help, limitations will stop you when you're already being taken for granted.
2. "There are some guys who aren't ashamed of being with their mom." But I did not think of how I am to my father. And I realized that, I missed him.
3. "Devil hunts you when you fear." I had this nightmare happened last year that it felt like it's real! and looking back to when it started, I had realized that even how fear you are when you have a strong faith, you could fight it through Prayers.

New Year's Resolutions:
I will gain the weight that I lost last year.
I will loosen my pride.
I'll try not to be so much 'kuripot'. hehe

movie poster

scorecard

Elements of a Story Assessment Scorecard

100%

14 of 14 Correct

Name:

Honey Lee

 

Date:

December 13, 2012

 

Review the questions and your answers below. The answer you selected is highlighted in red, the correct answer in green and the link to review in blue. If you would like, you can print this page by clicking the Print button.

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Name the time when Cinderella takes place.

a. The past b. The present c. The future d. The 50s You answered correctly!

Which is the resolution to Cinderella?

a. Cinderella was the most beautiful young woman at the ball. b. Cinderella worked hard all day, but didn't finish her chores. c. Cinderella and the Prince married. d. At midnight the coach turned back into a pumpkin. You answered correctly!

Which of the following describes the setting of Cinderella?

a. The space shuttle b. The North Pole c. The shopping mall d. A faraway kingdom You answered correctly!

Why is the conflict important to a story?

a. It shows that people are very different. b. It is what makes the story very exciting. c. It provides background on the characters. d. It is the sequence of events of the story. You answered correctly!

What is another word for the resolution?

a. The ending b. The explanation c. The mystery d. The history You answered correctly!

What is the best definition of exposition?

a. The exposition is background information on the characters and story. b. The exposition is the series of events in the story. c. The exposition is when the hero saves the day. d. The exposition is the description of the characters' personalities. You answered correctly!

What is an important piece of background information or exposition in the Cinderella story?

a. The Stepmother made Cinderella a long list of chores to do. b. The Fairy Godmother turned a pumpkin into a coach. c. Cinderella's father married a woman who had two daughters of her own. d. The Prince hoped to find a bride at the ball. You answered correctly!

Which is an example of an event in the plot of Cinderella?

a. The page arrives at the house with the invitation to the ball. b. Cinderella pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. c. Cinderella meets three bears. d. The stepmother makes a poisoned apple. You answered correctly!

Which of these is the conflict in Cinderella?

a. Cinderella faces a wolf on her way to deliver a basket to her grandmother. b. A tornado carries Cinderella away to a land far away. c. Cinderella wants to attend a ball but her Stepmother tries to prevent her from going. d. Cinderella trades her cow for three magic beans. You answered correctly!

Why is the climax referred to as the "turning point" of the story?

a. The hero turns his back on the villain and ignores him. b. The villain realizes he needs to change his actions. c. It is when the plot changes for better or for worse for the hero. d. The villain turns into the hero. You answered correctly!

Select the correct climax for Cinderella.

a. The Fairy Godmother turns the pumpkin into a coach. b. The Prince finds the glass slipper on the steps of the castle. c. The Prince puts the glass slipper on Cinderella's foot and it fits. d. The page arrives at the house with an invitation to the ball. You answered correctly!

Which is NOT a characteristic of Cinderella's villains?

a. Mean b. Lazy c. Kind d. Nasty You answered correctly!

Who is the hero of Cinderella?

a. Lottie b. The Stepmother c. Cinderella's father d. Cinderella You answered correctly!

Which of the following happens FIRST in Cinderella?

a. The Prince finds Cinderella's glass slipper. b. The Prince comes to Cinderella's house. c. Cinderella and the Prince marry. d. Cinderella leaves the ball. You answered correctly!

"the soul" (epitaph)