Les Misérables

Raymond Bernard's 1934 French film is among the most complete screen versions of Victor Hugo's novel. Jean Valjean, who served years at hard labour for stealing bread, is changed by a bishop's conduct on his release and builds a new identity; inspector Javert follows him for years and the lives of both men are consumed in the pursuit. Fantine's fall, the rescue of Cosette and the students' uprising are kept at the weight they carry in the book. The film was made in three parts running over four hours in total, which allows it to carry the novel's complexity. Harry Baur's Valjean is still counted among the best. The barricade scenes and the passage through the Paris sewers are ambitious for their time. Who it's for: viewers who like classic adaptation and early French cinema. Who it's not for: anyone looking for something short; it is long and slow.