Les Mis - it was simply heaven-sent for today's miserable world....

Victor Hugo's literary work of 1862 Les Miserables came alive again, 150 Christmases later.

On this past Christmas Day of 2012, my family and I joined many, many viewers who caused an $18 million box office to become Master of the House across this land.

And it was better than I had even hoped it would be. Having seen it on Broadway and in other regional venues, I expected to be impacted - but was ill-prepared to be brought to tears.

The final scenes of the film reinforced Hugo's understanding in the early 1860's of the vital nature of looking forward to "tomorrow".

Even if our lives end today.

The storyline is about unmerited favor (grace) being given to those who initially believe only in justice and revenge.

Mercy and kindness by jean Valjean to all around himself - to Javert, to broken and miserable people.

Love and mercy given....

Both here, today, and in our last dying days as we enter eternity.

And many lives entered eternity as a part of Les Mis' story line.

In fact, I can't believe that any non-believer of Christ and of God could attend Les Mis and exit the theater without the strong understanding that s/he had "been to church" - whether intended or not.

It was that real. It was that powerful.

It broke my heart and brought me to tears.

The film made me look into eternity... to see those whom I have loved and lost.

Only to realize, more fully than ever, that they are peering back - and waiting for my tomorrow.

One that really will occur.

To every miserable soul that mourns for a better life than today.

Which is to say - every one of us.

Den

 

 

Comments

[Dennis Mansfield]

Thanks, Tony for the link. My guess is that the blog's readers will take advantage of it.

What a film! What a book! What a Savior!
Den

[Tony Whittaker]

Thanks so much for your insights. I believe that this film represents a major opportunity for us to start conversations with outsiders, and I've tried to draw together some helpful resources on the Digital Evangelism Issues blog: http://ieday.net/blog/archives/9802

Incidentally, as well as reading the entire book online, you can access Cliff's Study Notes on the book.

[Dennis Mansfield]

I agree. I think it would stretch your thinking too much. Better to be secure in your belief than to have it challenged and questioned, as mine was so long ago. Your self-title may indeed be as a "rationalist", but in the end, when each of our last breaths are drawn,there will be no rationalizing. If you ventured into the flicks, the reflected image in the celluloid "mirror" may be too costly... it sure was for me. My logical sense was challenged to become theo-logical. You don't need to feed that part of you. It'll only cause you problems...good problems, but problems nonetheless.

[ShibumiMC]

So it's like going to church? Guess I'll take a pass on this flick then, being a rationalist and all.