One of the things that we did during Christmas week was to go see the new movie version of Les Miserables. I have loved this story from the first time that I heard it. I saw it for the first time on stage in London. I didn't know if the film version would be as good as the stage version, but it many ways it was better. Through the images in the background of the film it made many of the fine points more understandable and many of the big ideas have more impact. I have thought about this and heard the music in my head all week. Here are some of the things I learned from the movie. |
Another image that was stronger in the movie was when Javert sings the song, "Stars" where he sees himself with pride for doing right. In the film he sings this on a ledge above the church. Jean Valjean has escaped with Cosette inside the church below. The image to me was of one accepting grace and being hidden inside of God's love, like he was safe inside the church, rather then standing above the church focusing on the good things that one does to be worthy.
There were many other times in the movie where the cathedral was in the background. It reminded me that God is always looking down on us and to see his strength all we have to do is to look up.
The strongest image was at the end when Valjean leaves Cosette's wedding to go back to the cathedral to die. He knows he is close to death and he goes back there, which couldn't be done in the stage version. He knows that he has kept her safe. It is here where now he knows who he is and is finally at peace. The words of this song are probably the most memorable and I will put part of them here. It is the prayer of a parent who sees his child now as an adult.
Upon this wedding night I pray Take these children, my lord To thy embrace And show them grace. God on high, Hear my prayer Take me now To thy care Where you are Let me be Take me now Take me there Bring me home Bring me home Take my hand And lead me to salvation Take my love For love is everlasting And remember The truth that once was spoken To love another person Is to see the face of God. There is so much to learn from this wonderful story. If you haven't seen it, you should go and it can be life changing. |