Les Misérables (1862)

Author: Victor Hugo

I am usually hopeless at writing the book reviews. Each time when I have finished reading the book and I am ready to give my opinion I am completely lost. I don't know what to write and what not. I don't want it be a spoiler but at the same time I have to give at least a small insight into the theme of the book because otherwise it is useless and what am I really doing here?

Les Miserables is the "biggest" (I hope you know what I mean) and the most deep-felt book I have ever read. It seems to me that nothing is going to be the same. Ever. The more I read, the bigger my claims on the books are. And from now on they are as high as never before.

But let's return to the book itself. The main character Jean Valjean deserved the forgiveness. Even though he was a convict, Jean tried to grow better and forget the past but, unfortunately, it always came back and never left him alone like a shadow in the middle of a sunny day. No matter what Jean did and how good he was, the criminal's ma, stamped by the society, followed him non-stop.

People do change. And so did Jean Valjean. Even the ruthless policeman Javert could not swallow that everything (the rooted opinions, the whole world) he had always believed in was suddenly falling apart. And that all because a former convict proved to be a kindhearted man. It was something the society of the 19th century would never imagine to happen.

I truly suggest reading "Les Miserables". It is one of those books that should be read before you die...because it is the world classic and it is too amazing to be left behind.(Alright I'll try to be as objective as possible.)...because its subtext, idea and language are nothing like the ones you can find in the books like "Twilight". Believe me.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

 

Director: Mark Herman

Having watched the entire film, I am sitting here, in front of the keyboard, ready to write a review but I do not know how to express my emotions. It was just too shocking, the ending was a shocker not the historical background or events. History was one of my favourite subjects at school, therefore I understood what was going on but still... From my point of view, it is a good film when you are interested in it and it does not bore you but it is a great film when you cannot wait to see the next second, minute, episode of it.

It is kinda funny how young, inexperienced children perceive and interpret the actions. Bruno was the son of the German commandant at a concentration camp. He was a very curious kid. After Bruno and his family moves to the countryside so that the father could do his job ( for the sake of Nazi Germany's prosperity and wealth), the boy finds out that there is a nearby "farm" where he might find new friends. What Bruno did not know and did not understand at that time was that this "farm" was not a traditional farm but a human farm, to be more precise -  Jewish concentration camp.

Despite prohibition, the boy manages to escape from the custody (it was forbidden to leave the house) and reaches his long expected goal - "the farm". There Bruno finds Shmuel, an eight-year-old Jewish boy, makes friends with him. Innocent Bruno does not understand why everyone at the farm wears a striped pajama and why each of them has a number. He also does not realize the danger that this friendship will cause. I do not want to steal the surprise now that is hidden at the end of the film, therefore I will not reveal what happens to Bruno. But do not worry, it will take you by surprise for sure and might even make you shed a tear.

All in all, I would really suggest seeing "The boy in the striped pajamas". I know that enough is enough (enough of calling up the dirty past) but this film is nothing like before because the story is seen through the eyes of Bruno. The boy whose curiosity brought him to hell.

The impossible (2012)

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

Only when you lose something, you understand the real value of that. It had to be an ordinary holiday trip to Thailand just with Christmas gifts around but for many families it turned out to be a disaster. Something you would love to forget but you cannot.

It was the morning of December 26, 2004 when a dream land became hell. Maria, Henry and their three kids (Lucas, Thomas, Simon) where hanging around the beach when a sudden monstrous wave shocked them and washed away everything that got to be on its way. Lucky to have survived, Maria and the oldest son Lucas find themselves separated from the rest of their family. 

The film focuses on the strength of human spirit. Barely alive Maria never loses hope to reunite with her family, on the other hand, Henry would climb any mountain or would swim any river (because ain't no mountain high enough) just to see his wife and Lucas again. Eventually, after overcoming a series of obstacles and pain, as well as managing to keep body and soul together, all family members get together and happily find their way back home.

All in all, I would not say that this film is an artistic masterpiece but it does bring the right emotions. From the beginning until the end you can fell the desperation and happiness (after all) from all the characters.  Otherwise how can you justify bursting into tears at the end of the performance?