Ethics vs. Justice: Les Miserables review

The other night my husband and I sat down and watched "Les Miserables", starring Liam Neeson. I have to say, I was a little skeptical to see it, but I really enjoyed it. A very well done film. It is not a great film just because of the great performances by actors such as Liam Neeson, or Geoffrey Rush; it's "amazingness" stems from the moral/ethical dilemmas the Characters face throughout every turn in the film. I was on the edge of my seat formost of the film, will Valjean do the right thing, or the wrong thing?

For those of you who have seen or know the story, Valjean is a criminal who is given a second chance at a good and honest life. He takes this chance and runs with it, becoming a kind, honorable and forgiving man. No sooner does his "new" life begin, he is suspected and must once again run, until he finds out another man is accused of being Valjean and will be sent to jail in his place. At the same time, a woman who is in his care, on her deathbed asks Valjean to look out for her young daughter. What a dilemma! If he chooses to run, and take the girl he ruins an innocent mans life, if he confesses he is Valjean he leaves a poor child orphan; either way he will stray from what is ethically sound. You must see the film (or read the book) to see how he solves this ethical dilemma.

To see a film like this in today's society where people think only of whats best for themselves and not for others, is a breath of fresh air. It makes me want to be a better person, to always think, "am I doing what is ethically right?" If we start each day thinking that, we will be rewarded greatly, maybe not here on earth, but by our heavenly father!

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