Watching: Les misérables

Overview

For his first feature film in many years, the legendary filmmaker from Sudan has chosen to adapt Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Miserables for an African audience in the Arab language. The esteemed actor Gamal Hassan assumes the character of Jean Valjean from who is a man driven to crime and nefarious activities after circumstances have driven him in this direction. However, with the help of others he manages an incredible transformation. Gubara clearly saw this narrative as a significant parable concerning the will to change perceived as crucial for the future of Sudan.