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 the law goes beyond the obsessive.

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

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