We watched Les Miserables this weekend and I thought it was exceptional. I've seen the musical on stage and watched concerts of the music on PBS, but I never connected with the message of the story more than I did watching it on the silver screen. It's a beautiful picture of Christ's love and gift of grace...especially when juxtaposed with the legalism and works-based salvation exhibited by the antagonist in the story.
Jean ValJean, the protaganist and slave, is given full forgiveness and undeserved grace by a Bishop, which transforms his life and litterally makes him into a new person. Javert, the antagonist and police officer, believes that the law, justice, and works is what saves a man and when he is given the same undeserved grace as ValJean, he does not react the same.
It is more opera than musical, but the lyrics are so powerful and stirring, especially in a movie setting where everything is close-up...in contrast to the times I've seen it in a balcony at a theater and everything is distant. The lyrics were fresh and new when added to the jubilation or grief of the characters. The sometimes imperfect singing allowed me to be drawn into the story even more deeply. The songs where the characters cried and prayed to God about their confilction or their desire to serve and save others are still haunting me.
I won't put out an ultimatum, but if you profess to be a Christ follower, I strongly encourage you to see this movie. Even if you aren't a "musical person", please try it. Listen to the lyrics; listen to the longing, love, and compassion. Let yourself be moved by a story of forgiveness and grace. Reflect on the gift God gave you.
Jean ValJean, the protaganist and slave, is given full forgiveness and undeserved grace by a Bishop, which transforms his life and litterally makes him into a new person. Javert, the antagonist and police officer, believes that the law, justice, and works is what saves a man and when he is given the same undeserved grace as ValJean, he does not react the same.
It is more opera than musical, but the lyrics are so powerful and stirring, especially in a movie setting where everything is close-up...in contrast to the times I've seen it in a balcony at a theater and everything is distant. The lyrics were fresh and new when added to the jubilation or grief of the characters. The sometimes imperfect singing allowed me to be drawn into the story even more deeply. The songs where the characters cried and prayed to God about their confilction or their desire to serve and save others are still haunting me.
I won't put out an ultimatum, but if you profess to be a Christ follower, I strongly encourage you to see this movie. Even if you aren't a "musical person", please try it. Listen to the lyrics; listen to the longing, love, and compassion. Let yourself be moved by a story of forgiveness and grace. Reflect on the gift God gave you.