Les Miserables (2018)

Les Miserables (2018) from PBS is an engaging and meticulously crafted British historical drama miniseries based on Victor Hugo's seminal 1862 novel of the same name. This riveting six-part adaptation was captained by celebrated screenwriter Andrew Davies and produced in biodiversity by BBC Studios and Lookout Point, in association with Masterpiece.

The series is set in an unforgiving 19th-century France, replete with revolution, poverty, societal injustice, and man's search for redemption and love. It diverges from the popular musical based on the novel, instead offering a sober and in-depth exploration of Hugo's sprawling narrative, focusing on character arcs and relationships while providing a profound social commentary.

Distinguished actor Dominic West delivers a spellbinding performance as Jean Valjean, an ex-convict on a deeply personal journey toward salvation, burdened by both societal prejudice and personal demons. Valjean’s nemesis, Police Inspector Javert, played by multifaceted artist David Oyelowo, is a man driven by an unwavering belief in law and order. The morally complex battle of wits between these two characters provides the series' dramatic backbone, their lives woven together by fate, hostility, and an implicit understanding of each other's struggles.

Lily Collins skillfully plays the tragic heroine Fantine, a narrative turn that not only adds emotional depth to the character but also highlights the poignant struggles that women of that era were subjected to. The ensemble cast, with names like Adeel Akhtar and Olivia Colman, brings a wealth of talent and charisma to their performances. Their haunting portrayals of a wide array of characters, from impoverished workers to the blighted bourgeoisie, contribute to the series' piercing depiction of 19th-century France.

In addition to in-depth character performances, Les Miserables shines in its ornate production design and stunning cinematography. The viewer is transported back in time, drawn into the crowded and grimy streets of Paris, the opulent parlors of the high society, and the desolate landscapes of a nation struggling to redefine itself amidst revolution.

Les Miserables is also renowned for its nuanced and heartfelt depiction of societal issues, such as poverty, crime, and prejudice. Andrew Davies' writing successfully translates the novel's intertwining storylines to screen, maintaining a balance between intimate character moments and epic historical narratives. It underscores the futility of the justice system, the horrors of poverty, and the enduring human spirit's hope in adversity.

Another standout in this miniseries is the fostering relationship between West's Valjean and a young Cosette, an orphan child, displaying a potent example of parental love, sacrifice, and selflessness. The series delves into the lives of additional characters pivotal to the story like the Thenardier family, the young Romantic-era revolutionaries like Marius, among others adding many layers to the overall narrative.

The range and depth of performances, enthralling cinematography, attention to historical detail, and an accent on character development make Les Miserables a story of heartbreak, love, sacrifice, and redemption that is as relevant today as it was during its original publication.

The 2018 adaptation of Les Miserables offers a fresh and poignant perspective on Victor Hugo's classic, immersing the audience in a tableau of human resilience, underscoring the importance of compassion and reformation over punishment, and portraying the enduring hope amidst despair. It is a must-watch for those interested in classical literature, historical dramas, socially relevant narratives, or simply great performances within a vividly realized setting. Through its well-spun narrative and timeless themes, it confirms that the human spirit is, indeed, indomitable and inherently good.