Scan barcode
Reviews
Les Miserables: Radio Dramatization by Leslie Phillips, Joss Ackland, Roger Allam, Victor Hugo
lnatal's review
5.0
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Dramatisation of the classic novel by Victor Hugo set in France around the time of the Revolution, featuring Joss Ackland.
Since I don't remember how many times I've already read this book, I decided to listen to this magnificent BBC dramatization. However I won't dare to watch to the recent Hollywood's movie since Gerard Depardieu is the perfect character for the personification of Jean Valjean.
Dramatisation of the classic novel by Victor Hugo set in France around the time of the Revolution, featuring Joss Ackland.
Since I don't remember how many times I've already read this book, I decided to listen to this magnificent BBC dramatization. However I won't dare to watch to the recent Hollywood's movie since Gerard Depardieu is the perfect character for the personification of Jean Valjean.
nuin_giliath's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*This review is for the BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization of Les Misérables*
Confession: I've never read the entirety of Les Misérables. I've only read portions in English and portions in the original French (which frankly should count twice 😵). However, I'm quite familiar with the story through some of its many adaptations -- film, mini-series, musicals (both in French and English), and dramatized audio productions.
This is the second audio version that I've listened to with the first being this one: Les Misérables created by Focus on the Family for their Radio Theatre series. While that recording will always be a favorite of mine, this version is outstanding and encompasses a lot more of the original story that tends to be cut from popular adaptations.
The performances were fantastic with each actor's voice fitting his/her characters perfectly. I do enjoy this type of dramatization as it includes sound effects which makes it feel as if you're listening to a film version. My only complaint is sometimes the audio volume would fluctuate significantly between characters speaking in whispers and sudden loud explosions or bangs. My poor eardrums suffered terribly because of this extreme variation.
Since this review is primarily focused on this particular format/edition, I won't comment much on the actual book. However, I will always love Les Misérables for its message of redemption and the way the multiple storylines are interwoven throughout the years. It's masterful and I never tire of it. The characters are so iconic: Valjean and his journey to redeem his past and become an honest man, Javert with his desire for order and strict adherence to the law, the slimy schemes of Thenardier, Marius and Cosette - a picture of youthful naiveté and sweet innocence.
Someday, I'll get around to actually reading through the full text -- although whether in French or English remains to be determined -- but for now, adaptations such as this one are a great way to immerse myself in this incredible classic tale.
Confession: I've never read the entirety of Les Misérables. I've only read portions in English and portions in the original French (which frankly should count twice 😵). However, I'm quite familiar with the story through some of its many adaptations -- film, mini-series, musicals (both in French and English), and dramatized audio productions.
This is the second audio version that I've listened to with the first being this one: Les Misérables created by Focus on the Family for their Radio Theatre series. While that recording will always be a favorite of mine, this version is outstanding and encompasses a lot more of the original story that tends to be cut from popular adaptations.
The performances were fantastic with each actor's voice fitting his/her characters perfectly. I do enjoy this type of dramatization as it includes sound effects which makes it feel as if you're listening to a film version. My only complaint is sometimes the audio volume would fluctuate significantly between characters speaking in whispers and sudden loud explosions or bangs. My poor eardrums suffered terribly because of this extreme variation.
Since this review is primarily focused on this particular format/edition, I won't comment much on the actual book. However, I will always love Les Misérables for its message of redemption and the way the multiple storylines are interwoven throughout the years. It's masterful and I never tire of it. The characters are so iconic: Valjean and his journey to redeem his past and become an honest man, Javert with his desire for order and strict adherence to the law, the slimy schemes of Thenardier, Marius and Cosette - a picture of youthful naiveté and sweet innocence.
Someday, I'll get around to actually reading through the full text -- although whether in French or English remains to be determined -- but for now, adaptations such as this one are a great way to immerse myself in this incredible classic tale.
More...