Viva Le Mis

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, left, and Anne Hathaway as Fantine in a scene from “Les Miserables.”

To transform the much-beloved “Les Miserables” from stage to screen, Director Tom Hooper had find a way to maintain and amplify the emotional power of the original words and music with the trappings of a big-screen production.

His efforts have created a beautiful and moving version of the stage production that’s loyal enough to its origins to appease Broadway musical fans, yet is theatrical enough to stand as a feature film release.

“Les Miserables,” the musical based on the book by Victor Hugo, is a story of love, devotion, dedication and betrayal set in the years following the French Revolution. Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) emerges from 19 years of hard labor in prison – sent there for stealing a loaf of bread – and begins a new life. His new world of wealth and power is threatened when he’s recognized by Javert (Russell Crowe), a man whose devotion to the letter of th e law goes beyond the obsessive.

Looking forward to seeing this. I’ve heard good things about it. Do you plan to see Le Mis?