This is not the first time I have watched one of several variations of this film, nor will it be the last. I just finished watching the 1998, Columbia Pictures version of Les Miserables. The film was true enough to the book, and that is all that I shall have to say about it.

For indeed, what more needs be said? Any film that follows the book cannot help but be a masterpeice. Of the literally hundreds of stories, novels, and classics that I have read, Les Miserables is in my opinion perhaps the greatest written work ever created by mankind. Yes, I believe it to be greater even than Homer’s Iliiad and Odyssey. There is some stark element of greatness about the book I have yet to put my finger on, although I have spent much time attempting to do so.

Everything you could possibly want in a book of epic porportions exists in Les Miserables; the timeless struggle of good vs. evil; revolutions that changed the world, romances worthy of fairy tales; hate, lies, and bitterness; love, honesty, and forgiveness; riches and poverty; obsessions and sacrifices, and so on. One could even argue an allegory into the words.

Most books have one or two plots running from creation to climax, from climax to conclusion. Les Miserables has at least six or seven plots running simultaneously throughout the book. Just when you think you’re at the apex, another forgotten plot will come out of nowhere and increase the intensity of the overall story.

Don’t cheat yourself – get the unabridged version. It will likely be at least 1,000 pages long, but worth every moment of it. Unlike Tolstoy, Hugo doesn’t ramble – every page is a hefty golden coin adding to the weight of the treasure the mighty tale. My only hope is that if you haven’t already, you will soon obtain a copy, and be able to understand why I think it one of the most dramatic stories ever written.