The Miserables


“Red – the blood of angry men, Black – the darkness of bygone ages, Red – a world about to dawn, Black – the night that finally ends.” These lyrical lines were taken from one of the musical pieces sung by Enjolras in the French literary classic, Les Miserables. He was a strategic leader among the young students of the ABC society who devotedly believes in democratic freedom. He even called his homeland after his lover who defined him as a patriotic man. The purpose of the revolutionary act was to elevate individuals so that they were not treated as slaves. An inversion of traditional beliefs to rule the country with divinity and a feudal society. It focuses on the liberation of humanity by overthrowing the economic oppression of modern society. Fall and victory are equally inevitable, because before the land of France will rise again.

After representing years ago the key events that show the injustice in the society, in which Jean Valjean possessed, along the way a revolution to defend human rights emerged. Enjolras initiated a rebel plan at their meeting and used General Lamarque’s death as a sign of revolution. During Lamarque’s funeral, the monarchy sent troops to keep the peace. As planned, Enjolras together with the ABC society interrupted the ceremony while guns were fired. Initially they built a barricade with common elements, armed themselves and prepared for the next fight. When things got into trouble, Javert tried to fool them like he was one of the revolutionaries and is actually spying for the army. Unfortunately, Gavroche pointed at him by recognizing his face. The men tied him up in a Corinth restaurant after revealing his true identity. Suddenly, an innocent passerby had been shot, Enjolras executed it as a penalty. Even the students cried for Mabeuf, who was just trying to put the red flag back in its place.

Enjolras for his part, kissed him on the forehead and erected Mabeuf’s coat in place of the red flag to honor his bravery. When the matter was settled, the majority agreed to hold Javert hostage. So, Enjolras decided to send five men out of the barricade, realizing that those men would soon die. Jean Valjean arrived. Enjolras orders that the execution of Javert be followed by the execution of Jean Prouvaire; Valjean was also asked to do the homework, but instead let Javert be released. Sooner, the barricade falls and as the army advances, Enjolras retreats to a wine shop. Among the revolutionaries, he was never injured holding any weapon other than the barrel of his carbine. He then ordered the guards to shoot him after pulling a stump from his carbine, raising his clenched hands, and presenting his chest. Just before the guards shot him, Grantaire did not hesitate to die with his friend after saying his last words. Enjolra quickly realized that Grantaire would rather die by her side than live without the other. He took Grantaire’s hand with him at least for the last counter. The soldiers fired at both of them that Enjolras was shot through and hit the wall. His body leaned back and his foot was held by the window to prevent his body from falling close to the barricade.

Les Miserables contains many powerful images, its political views can be interpreted by focusing on the lower class, in relation to social and economic injustice. It shows that revolutionary change is inevitable. Political interest and awareness were reflected throughout the novel itself in informed representations of events. The character of Enjolras was a kind of display of passion for freedom, heroism and patriotism that people looked up to and admired in leading a revolution with courage. As before his execution, he turned the situation upside down when he ordered the national guards to kill him. At that very moment, it seems that he had received more respect than those guards to be respected. His image seemed to be the one that ruled in that situation. To sum up the main point of the novel, the political stance accompanied by real events played uniquely and effectively for the viewers.

Therefore, I conclude that in addition to the strong emotions provided by the flow of the story, the people behind the characters played their roles very well. The versatility and enthusiasm of the actors worked with knowledge for the film. It is impressive that each line that they put in their language gives melody and harmony to the ears of each and every one of the listeners. The factors that were marked in my mind is not only by the appearance of the actors or only by the story but, the meaning and impact of each detail that the novel really wants to convey. These literary pieces are of the kind that do not deserve to be forgiven. It is really worth satisfying for an aspiring actor like me, performing in a live theater function. Until now, this will be an inspiration to encourage young people to delve into the reality of our society. Let this movie be preserved and continue to influence each individuality for generations to come.