'Masterful' adaptation of 'excellent' period novel declared the best

Period drama enthusiasts simply cannot miss this adaptation of a beloved literary work, following other productions that have delivered a "masterpiece" Netflix series and another show boasting "exquisite" music, reports the Express.

This BBC production gave the tale a complete transformation, offering viewers a refreshing perspective on the heartbreaking story.

Numerous viewers lavished praise on the series via IMDb, with one fan posting a perfect 10/10 review headlined: "Masterful - Translating the story for a British Audience."

The viewer went on to explain: "I think that the best actors were chosen to portray the roles perfectly and that the script was adapted to suit the target audience, we the British public. And I would highly recommend this series to anyone with a soul who will appreciate the beauty in it."

Another glowing 10/10 review declared: "I have watched so many tv series and I honestly think this might be the best one I have ever seen. This tv series really is packed with emotion and I have never felt sad for a character ever, like I did here. Highly recommend it. Amazing! ! [sic]."

A third stellar review commented: "Having previously been put off the story by the musical versions I was happy to see a drama available which I hope will give me a sense of the original story with which I am unfamiliar. So far the cast seems excellent and the whole thing has a big budget feel. The story is just unfolding and I hope they can keep up the quality."

One viewer remarked: "This version is captivating. While the musical version has some excellent music, I have never been able to get through watching it."

Another fan chimed in: "An excellent adaptation for an excellent novel."

The user elaborated: "Now right from the beginning when you watch, you can sense that there is something special about this show.

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"The cinematography, the acting, and the outstanding story are all mixed together to exhibit a work that I might personally claim to be far better than the previous versions of Liam Neeson and Hugh Jackman."

Les Misérables was broadcast on the BBC back in 2018 with a star-studded cast led by Downton Abbey and The Affair's Dominic West, Hollywood luminary David Oyelowo, and Lily Collins of Emily in Paris fame.

The six-part series was adapted from the 1862 French historical novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.

Les Misérables was set primarily during the 1830s in France at a time of revolution and civil unrest.

The drama followed ex-convict Jean Valjean (West) as he sought to redeem himself by building a new life, however relentless police inspector Javert (Oyelowo) was on his trail to make him pay for a parole violation.

Within this, the story also followed impoverished factory worker Fantine (Collins) as she struggled to survive.

However, the crucial difference was there wasn't any singing or music, unlike the long-running West End musical Les Misérables, thus giving a different spin to the BBC period drama.

The legendary scriptwriter Andrew Davies, known for his work on Pride and Prejudice (1995), War & Peace and the BBC's House of Cards series, is the mastermind behind the scripts for Les Misérables.

The star-studded cast includes Adeel Akhtar as Monsieur Thénardier, Johnny Flynn as Felix Tholomyès, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Col. Pontmercy, David Bradley as Monsieur Gillenormand, and Derek Jacobi as Bishop Myriel.

The ensemble also boasts Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Game of Thrones' Enzo Cilenti, Josh O'Connor from The Crown, Ellie Bamber from The Serpent, Ron Cook from I Fought the Law, Kathryn Hunter, Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn, Donald Sumpter, and Alan David.

The TV series followed on from the Tom Hooper 2012 epic with Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman and the 1998 movie with Liam Neeson.

Les Misérables (2018) is available to stream on Prime Video for a fee