Here Is What I learned After Watching Les Mis:
I learned a lot from watching this movie. While it was quite sad and dark to watch, Les Misérables had a lot of lessons for the viewer. In the beginning, it shows you how love can go foul, and leave you alone, like in the story of Fantine, and how she was deserted by Cosette's father, but later on, it shows you that love prevails, and gives us strength in tougher times, like in the situation of Cosette and Marius. Les Misérables also teaches a very powerful lesson, that no matter where you may have come from, you have the ability to become whatever you choose to be. In the case of Jean Valjean, it shows his struggle into becoming a better man despite having to deal with everything that life threw at him, and how he struggled to keep his morals and stay a good man, when he was shown nothing but struggles and hardships. Overall, Les Misérables was a very beautiful piece, that showed us all sides of life in the past, the poor, the rich, the good, the bad. It shows how each character has their own stories, and how they chose to let it affect them.
The Scenes That Stood Out To Me:
I think one of the scenes that really stood out to me, was when Fantine was fired from her job, and had to result to a more difficult life that resulted in her throwing away everything that she had, to ensure that Cosette would have enough money so that she could stay with the innkeepers. Although it was an incredibly difficult scene to watch, it showed how much Fantine loved her daughter, and what lengths she would go to, to protect her, and to ensure that she was safe. The scene now only showed us the depth of a mother's love, but also the strength Fantine must have had, and the pain she must have gone through.
Another scene that really stuck out to me, was Eponine's death, and how she died in Marius's arms. Even while it pain, and knowing that he was not in love with her, Eponine assured him, and told him that she was okay, despite the obvious. The way she looks in his eyes and smiles, it really hows how far her love went for him. Once again, although an incredibly sad scene, it showed us that Eponine died knowing she was exactly where she wanted to be most.
Themes and Motifs:
The colour red: While the colour red is bound to appear in a French movie, I think the meaning of the colour is deeper. While the clothes they are wearing is always dark, and grungy, the colour red is always present in times of passion and emotion, and that's exactly what the colour represents as well. It's shown throughout the movie, during times of war, love, and fear.
Self sacrifice: In the movie Les Mis, Self-sacrifice is present throughout the film. Fantine sacrifices her hair and her life to ensure Cosette's is well, Or how the Bishop sacrifices his precious silver and goods, so that Valjean could have a chance at a better life. Previously mentioned as well, Eponine sacrifices herself for Marius during a battle.
Love and Compassion: Another theme through the movie is the theme of love, no matter how brutal or dark the scenes are. This movie, book, and musical teaches us that through the darkest of times, there is always love. Every character in that movie, though shown cruelty or unkindess, was also shown love. In times of pain, anger, or happiness, love was always present, and was usually the motive of the situations occuring.
