IMDb 7.4 1998 HD

Les Misérables

Les Misérables

1998
Crime Drama History Romance
134 min PG-13 USA
7.2 / 10
7.4 IMDB

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Bille August
Starring
Liam Neeson / Geoffrey Rush / Uma Thurman / Claire Danes / Hans Matheson / Peter Vaughan / Reine Brynolfsson / Tim Barlow

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

compelling dramatic historical intense earnest somber well-acted straightforward traditional gripping powerful decent

Reviews

P
Penelope Croft
May 13, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a non-musical adaptation, the 1998 Les Misérables leans heavily on its cast, and Liam Neeson certainly carries the burden of Jean Valjean admirably. His struggle against the relentless Javert, played with chilling conviction by Geoffrey Rush, is…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 13, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This 1998 rendition of Les Misérables is a triumph of dramatic storytelling, proving that the epic scope of Victor Hugo's novel can resonate powerfully without musical numbers. Liam Neeson is magnificent as Valjean, portraying a man wrestling with…

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 13, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While Liam Neeson brings a commendable weight to Jean Valjean in this 1998 film, the overall experience feels somewhat diminished by a lack of directorial flair. The pursuit by Geoffrey Rush's Javert is central, yet the dramatic stakes…

A
Arthur Penhaligon
May 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A formidable screen presence is crucial for Jean Valjean, and Liam Neeson delivers in this 1998 adaptation. His portrayal of a man hounded by his past and the unyielding law is compelling. The film wisely centres on the…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This 1998 iteration of Les Misérables opts for a straightforward dramatic approach, foregoing the operatic grandeur that often accompanies the tale. Liam Neeson anchors the film as Jean Valjean, lending a weary gravitas to the ex-convict's lifelong flight.…

FAQs

The 1998 version distinguishes itself by focusing on a purely dramatic narrative, eschewing the musical format prominent in other well-known adaptations. This allows for a more direct engagement with the novel's narrative intricacies and character development, emphasising the raw performances and the sweep of historical events. The casting, with Liam Neeson leading, also provides a distinct interpretation of Jean Valjean's enduring struggle.