Les Misérables
Les Misérables
The Wretches
French Lesson Plan
Introduction: Introduce your students to the sweeping, emotionally resonant world of "Les Misérables," Claude Lelouch's 1995 masterwork inspired by Victor Hugo's timeless novel. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 20th-century France — spanning World War II and its aftermath — this bold adaptation reimagines Hugo's themes of justice, redemption, and the human spirit in a modern context. Our comprehensive lesson plan includes comprehension exercises, vocabulary activities, cultural notes, and communicative tasks to enhance language learning.
Film Summary: Directed by Claude Lelouch and starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, "Les Misérables" (1995) follows Henri Fortin, an illiterate removal man who shelters a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of France. Lelouch weaves together Victor Hugo's original story and a 20th-century narrative, drawing powerful parallels between the injustices of the 19th century and those of World War II. At 175 minutes, it is an ambitious, deeply human film that earned widespread critical acclaim and the César Award for Best Film.
Additional Information About the Film and Themes: The film explores justice and mercy across two eras, the moral weight of harboring those condemned by unjust regimes, redemption through small acts of courage, and the enduring relevance of Hugo's vision. It is an ideal classroom text for connecting literary study, historical context, and authentic French language use.
Specific Calendar Days for Classroom Use:
- January 14: Victor Hugo's Birthday — Celebrate the author whose novel inspired this film.
- November 11: Armistice Day / Veterans Day — Explore the WWII occupation context central to this adaptation.
- July 14: Bastille Day — Discuss the recurring theme of French justice, law, and resistance across history.
- April 27: César Awards — The film won Best Film at the 1996 Césars; a great hook for discussing French cinema.
Conclusion: Bring the depth and ambition of Claude Lelouch's "Les Misérables" to your French classroom. This lesson plan, crafted by teachers for teachers, provides a comprehensive approach to language learning through authentic film. Connect Hugo's literary legacy to 20th-century French history and inspire your students with one of French cinema's most acclaimed works. IMDB
More Information
More Information
Director: Claude Lelouch
Cast: Jean-Paul Belmondo
Audio:
Couldn't load pickup availability
What our teachers are saying
-
"Integrating films like 'Beauty and the Beast' into my curriculum has made my classes more dynamic and enjoyable. The ready-made lesson plans are detailed and easy to use, and my students are always excited for movie days. FilmArobics has truly enhanced my teaching experience."
-
"The cultural notes and vocabulary lists provided with each lesson plan are excellent. They help my students understand the context better, and their language skills have significantly improved. I highly recommend FilmArobics to any language teacher."
-
"FilmArobics has been a game-changer for my French classes. The comprehensive lesson plans save me hours of preparation, and my students are more engaged than ever. They absolutely love movie days, and I see a noticeable improvement in their language skills."
