The show goes on

Hollywood hasn’t diminished the magic of Les Miserables, says Marjorie Brennan

IT is one of the world’s longest-running musicals, seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe, and it is still breaking box-office records in its 28th year. Now the theatrical phenomenon Les Miserables is hitting the big screen. Set in 19th-century France, Les Mis, as it is now universally known, has all the ingredients of a gripping drama — broken dreams, unrequited love, sacrifice and redemption — plus superbly-crafted songs that stir the soul. It is perhaps a surprise, that in an industry which regurgitates books, plays and foreign films in the blink of an eye, it has taken 28 years to reach the screen.

The musical, based on the book by Victor Hugo, tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who is pursued for decades by his nemesis, the ruthless policeman Javert. When Valjean agrees to care for the desperate Fantine’s young daughter, their lives are changed forever.