The Miserables

“Red: the blood of angry men, Black: the darkness of ages past, Red: a world about to dawn, Black: the night that finally ends.” These lyrical lines were taken from one of the pieces of music sung by Enjolras in the French literary classic, Les Miserables. He was a strategic leader among the young students of the ABC society who devoutly believed in democratic freedom. He even called his homeland after his mistress who defined him as a patriotic man. The purpose of the revolutionary act was to elevate individuals from being treated as slaves. A reversal of traditional beliefs to rule the country with divinity and a feudal society. He focuses on the liberation of humanity by overthrowing the economic oppression of modern society. The fall and the victory are equally inevitable, because before the land of France will rise again.

After years ago describing the key events that show the injustice in society, in which Jean Valjean possessed, along the way a revolution came to arise to defend human rights. Enjolras initiated a plan of rebellion at his meeting and used General Lamarque’s death as a signal for revolution. During Lamarque’s funeral, the monarchy sent troops to keep the peace. As planned, Enjolras along with the ABC company interrupted the ceremony while weapons were fired. They initially built a barricade with common items, armed themselves and prepared for the fight to come. When things got complicated, Javert tried to trick them as one of the revolutionaries and was actually spying for the army, unfortunately Gavroche pointed this out when he recognized his face. The men tied him up in a Corinto restaurant after revealing his true identity. Suddenly an innocent bystander had been shot, Enjolras executed him as punishment. Even the students cried for Mabeuf, who was just trying to return the red flag to his 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 keep Javert hostage. Enjolras then decided to send five men off the barricade, realizing that those men would soon die. Jean Valjean come to arrive. Enjolras orders that the execution of Javert be followed by the execution of Jean Prouvaire; Valjean was also asked to do the task, but instead sets Javert free. Sooner, the barricade falls and as the army advances, Enjolras retreats into a wine shop. Among the revolutionaries, he never hurt himself wielding any other weapon than the barrel of his carbine. He then ordered the guards to shoot him after throwing a carbine stump, raising his clenched hands and showing his chest. Just before being shot by the guards, Grantaire did not hesitate to die with his friend after saying his last words. Enjolra quickly realized that Grantaire would rather die with him than live without each other. He took Grantaire’s hand with him at least for the last counter The soldiers shot at both of them Enjolras was pierced by bullets and flattened against the wall. His body was thrown backwards and his foot was held by the window to prevent his body from falling near the barricade.

Les Miserables contains many powerful images. His political views can be interpreted as focusing on the lower class, in relation to social and economic injustice. He shows that revolutionary change is inevitable. Political interest and awareness were reflected throughout the novel itself in well-informed descriptions of events. Enjolras’s character was a display of passion for freedom, heroism, and patriotism that people looked up to and admired for leading a revolution bravely. As before his execution, he reverses the situation when he orders the National Guardsmen to kill him. At that very moment, it seems that he had received more respect than those guards to be respected. The image of him seemed to be the one he commanded in that situation. To summarize the main point of the novel, the political stance accompanied by real events is reproduced in a very unique and effective way for the viewers.

Therefore, I conclude that apart from 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 wisely for the film. It is impressive that each line they put on their tongues gives melody and harmony to the ears of each and every one of the listeners. The factors that were marked in my mind are not only the appearance of the actors and not only the story, but the meaning and impact of each detail that the novel really wants to convey. These literary pieces are one of those types that do not deserve to be spared. It really pays to satisfy an aspiring actor like me by performing in a live theater production. Until now, this will be an inspiration to encourage young people to delve into the reality of our society. May this film be preserved and continue to influence each individuality for generations to come.