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Original poster

Les Miserables

21 replies

leaveby10 · 10/01/2019 09:55

I must be the only person on the planet that has never watched this/read the book and last night dh and I settled down to watch the 2nd episode in the BBC's brilliant adaptation, but we had to switch it off after she got her front teeth pulled out - and the way the child was being treated, couldn't bear it.

So will it improve, do things get better - we were quite upset - sensitive types that we are - it wasn't good bedtime viewing - maybe we were too sober to watch it - doing dry January - maybe we should leave it to Feb.

OP posts:
cathyandclare · 10/01/2019 10:06

It is great- but well named that is for sure. At least with the musical there is some music to lighten the misery.

Original poster
leaveby10 · 10/01/2019 10:10

I'm not keen on musicals but you're right it just might be the only way of getting through the story!

OP posts:
TheOrville · 10/01/2019 10:17

MY granny and I used to love going to musicals. Normally happy ones like Barnum, sound of music, cats etc.
When I took her to les mis, she said” why are they all lying down” :)

Bless her

Endofrelationship · 10/01/2019 10:36

It doesn't get better really. It's aptly named. Great story though.

ShowOfHands · 10/01/2019 10:39

It's a fabulous story but it's not lighthearted at all. I don't want to spoil it for you or others but yes, there's a lot more death and suffering.

Doyoumind · 10/01/2019 10:40

Don't expect it to get too cheery. I would stick with it though. When you've watched the series do check out the musical though.

titchy · 10/01/2019 10:50

Fairly big clue in the title tbh! Happy it ain't

Original poster
leaveby10 · 10/01/2019 11:14

I don't usually watch weepy things - I'm such a wimp, I never thought it would be this bad. People go for a night out to watch something this harrowing - it's a total downer...I don't get it. Blush

OP posts:
lily219 · 13/01/2019 21:23

I loved the film. I think this TV version is brilliant too, but it's a struggle to watch. I wasn't sure I'd be able to face the third episode. The music definitely made it easier to bear the film.

ThanosSavedMe · 13/01/2019 21:25

It may not be the best show for you it’s very aptly named

wowfudge · 13/01/2019 21:33

It's good, but pretty bleak. There's much more time to develop the characters and different plot lines. The story is epic and this is only part of it.

ahnow · 13/01/2019 21:39

I think the beauty of it is how redemptive the story is, but it is absolutely brutal at the same time. I've just been to see the musical (again... I may have an addiction) and was surrounded by grown men properly weeping! Watch the musical; it at least has a bit of comedy in it!

lily219 · 13/01/2019 21:48

I lasted until quarter to ten tonight then had to turn it off - too unbearably sad!

cavycavy · 14/01/2019 22:19

I’ve just watched the 3rd episode. Such a sad story and I realise I actually know nothing about the origins of the story itself! Did it start as a book? Or was it always a musical?

cavycavy · 14/01/2019 22:20

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Misérables

Ah... this has answered my question!

StillMedusa · 14/01/2019 22:22

It was a book first..written in 1845 by Victor Hugo. A VERY long book (I have it on my kindle but haven't finished it ...it's heavy going)

MeadowHay · 14/01/2019 22:22

cavy It is a French book by Victor Hugo Smile. I've always meant to read it and never gotten around to it, love the musical, and love this BBC adaptation, as difficult as it is to watch. Not so keen on the film. I think I'd find the book difficult to read as well but it's meant to be epic. I can speak/read French although I imagine the language is pretty archaic in the book but would like to give it a go reading it in French.

BackforGood · 14/01/2019 22:39

I'm not watching the series simply because - it really is what it says on the tin..... 'miserable'. The music (in the show if you go to the theatre) is wonderful - really strong songs and so moving / uplifting / wonderful, but the storyline is {I think the popular phrase is} 'gritty'.
Grim and heavy going would be my description.

wowfudge · 14/01/2019 23:56

Les Miserables means The Wretched. There's plenty in Dickens' books which is horrendous to read or watch. This is not much different.

EnidButton · 14/01/2019 23:56

It's about hope and what people will do out of love for someone else. That's what I take from it anyway (the book and the musical.) Hope for a better life and fighting for what you believe in.

Trampire · 15/01/2019 00:08

I must be a bit odd as I always find it very uplifting. Like the pp said, it's about love and how love can redeem you and loving someone selflessly can make your life worthwhile.

I love the musical however and perhaps knowing the songs and their meaning/lyrics is making me read it this way.

I listened to the Victor Hugo book on Audible. Rather long winded and serious (very much like Dickens).

This adaptation is very good. Closer to the book than the original musical but still streamlined.

I'd say stick with it.

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