Les Misérables

Ladj Ly is proving to be one hell of a storyteller as a debut filmmaker. Through an unusually long exposition, he first thoroughly introduces the viewer to the setting, only to later develop a conflict that is, to the eye, trite but extremely powerful in its message in a very careful and evocative way. The Parisian suburbs in his portrayal are indeed reminiscent of a jungle, where the biggest source of problems does not flow from this or that social group, but from the twisted nature of human character (and it frankly does not matter on which side). Moreover, the narrative concept of having the entire plot take place over two days brilliantly adds to the much greater urgency of the story. Don't really expect a conciliatory ending here. (06/27/2020)

Given the title Les Misérables, I would have expected a bit more of a connection to Victor Hugo's famous novel, so I'm quite disappointed. The beginning of the film and the intense ending are okay, but the subplot with the stolen lion cub seems a bit contrived to me. I was bored quite often while watching the film, not to mention that it was impossible to sympathize with anyone at all. (65%) (09/09/2021)

A powerful modern-day parallel to Victor Hugo's classic novel. It paints a bleak picture of contemporary France, a culture in decline. Watching this, it’s hard to imagine how things could turn around. The outskirts of Paris are depicted as places where even the most destitute wouldn't want to live — chaotic, lawless, and lost. The film leaves you questioning how, or if, there’s a way out of this mess. It’s a largely impersonal, almost emotionless film, but the ending hits hard and leaves a lasting impact. (06/16/2021)

Based on a single film, I can't estimate whether a francophone Spike Lee was born, but as a feature-length debut, Les Misérables is an extraordinary film full of energy, uncompromisingness, and rebellion against the system. After its release in France, it rightfully dominated the movie theaters and won every award it could. Thematically related to the Danish film Shorta, it is certainly above average and impressive, but fundamentally, it's no more than an action film with a certain social subtext. Les Misérables has a broader scope and showcases the notorious Parisian housing estates inhabited by unemployed (and often unemployable) immigrants and outsiders. Ladj Ly shows the ghettos as a complex ecosystem controlled by local hustlers, criminals, and Islamists. The police can only futilely try to keep up and create the impression that the state is in control of the situation. During two intense shifts of a three-member police patrol, the director shows what goes on there and who or what one can encounter. It's not a routine crime story but a genre film that significantly transcends into social drama. The carousel of boredom, poverty, and cultural and national unanchoredness creates a highly explosive Molotov cocktail that burns anyone who gets in its way. Overall impression: 90%. (02/14/2021)

The French once again focused on drama (a genre that has been outperforming American productions in recent years, as they really know how to do it), and once again, they succeeded. Apart from the setting and a single verbal reference, this film has nothing to do with "Les Misérables"; it’s more about showing viewers what suburban life looks like today. Boy gangs, adult gangs, and police who also have to play a dirty game. It will definitely leave you feeling unsettled. I truly admire the naturalistic touch; the French always manage to wrap me around their finger with their uncompromising approach. The main character is quite a likable guy, but in this harsh environment, you can’t play fair or by any rules; it’s more like the law of the jungle. Don’t expect any high-octane action, but there are plenty of tense moments, like the scene with the lion, which had me on the edge of my seat—a masterfully built moment. And the harsh ending topped it off; I was expecting something in a similar vein, but this was surprising. It’s up to each viewer to interpret it as they wish. For me, it’s a solid 7.5/10. (12/03/2020)