One of the most beautiful scenes in all of literature or in the movies to showcase the real nature of the Christian God--a God a surpassing, breath-taking mercy to all who would come to Him though Jesus.
Somewhat ironically, the Bishop was written as a criticism of the Christians of the day as well. Per wikipedia: "As Hugo set to work on the novel in 1848 after a long interruption, his anti-clerical son Charles objected to presenting Myriel as "a prototype of perfection and intelligence", suggesting instead someone from "a liberal, modern profession, like a doctor". The novelist replied:[3] I cannot put the future into the past. My novel takes place in 1815. For the rest, this Catholic priest, this pure and lofty figure of true priesthood, offers the most savage satire on the priesthood today."
Bob Fox it's a pity this is all fiction and story book stuff. In reality he would be in one of our overcrowded nicks. The irony being a longer sentence for nicking from a church and silver being more valuable than plastic a few years on top. Still the romanticism is still there and it's only a book. Dream on lol
There was a drill instructor I loathed when I was matriculating through infantry school. I had a long road ahead of me of wanting to become a combat and flight medic. There was one particular cadre everyone feared, Dr. Sergeant Schwartz. He was older than most of the other drill instructors. He had hair so blonde, it was almost white and piercing blue eyes. During physical fitness, he was the main instructor for the tier-1 soldiers that were the most physically fit, within our company. In other words, his running group, on average, was running 2 mile in under 12:00 minutes and long runs consisting of 5-8 miles. You didn't train with him unless you meet very high standards (I was glad I didn't fall into his group... I didn't need that type of pain). By the 3rd week of school, I noticed many of the drill instructors didn't interact with him, however, EVERYONE RESPECTED HIM. He didn't curse, didn't make fun of anyone, and mostly was an observer. He was peculiar, in many ways. For instance, he refereed to individuals in the plural as Bravo Company and when anyone failed would comment WE ALL just needed more proper motivation... more discipline. I feared him because he expected a level of physical and mental standards that frankly I didn't think I was capable of. He expected nothing short of excellence from everyone. You made a mistake and that was it. He was owed pain and sweat. One day, I received a letter my mother had a serious injury. The next day was our PT test. I didn't have it in me to run 3 miles. I dropped out of the run which would have resulted in being sent home. Upon dropping out, he knew there was something wrong. He immediately ran behind me and motivated me till the end of the run. I had to do 200 push ups for falling out of the run. While the other drill instructors were laughing at me, because I was silently sobbing (due to my mother), he saw me quite again. I just didn't care. He got down on the ground and told me to look at him. He kept telling me, "It's OK...just don't stop... don't stop." Shortly after, I explained to him what had happened. Later that day, he called me to his office. He waited outside and said to pick up the phone. It was my mom (she was OK). I walked out of his office attempting to fight tears. He walked up to me and told me, "private... you don't quite... ever!" There was an African private, Abbo, with a very heavy accent. Initially, everyone thought Drill Sergeant Schwartz was racist because he was always yelling at Abbo but strangely would always pull him to the side and have long talks with him. Many of us thought Drill Sergeant Schwartz was being an outright bigot and picking on the soldier. It was only later, during graduation, when we saw a tall beautiful African woman run up to Sergeant Schwarz, along with her infant child, embracing Sergeant Schwarz with tears and repeatedly telling him thank you. She kept thanking him so much for talking to immigration to fast track her citizenship. Obviously, she was Abbo's wife. Sergeant Schwartz had a brother in law, who worked in immigration, who made sure Abbo's family would be there for his graduation. Right before graduation, Drill Sergeant Schwartz was conducting a long 12 mile road march. A soldier fainted on the road march due to a heat stroke. He carried the crippled soldier for half a mile so the soldier wouldn't have to repeat the last phase of training again. He asked me to pick up his ruck sack and to put it in the medical jeep. To my surprise, I found out he put weights in his ruck sack. I asked him why the weights and he replied, "Because that's what it takes to elevate yourself when you don't think you're smart enough or strong enough." When I finally graduated, I saw him in full dress uniform. The decorations/honors were nothing short of breathe taking: the infantry blue cord, the Airborne tab, the U.S. Ranger tab, expert marksman tab, a master jumper, and the blue special forces tab. He was the most decorated soldier there. To everyone's surprise his family was there, as well. He had a beautiful wife along with six to seven girls that loved and adored their father dearly. He was so compassionate/tender with his family. This was a side most of us didn't think was possible. At the time, I didn't know what to make out of it. He made a profound impact on me because he bestowed a special level of kindness/respect towards me and others that wasn't deserving but was given graciously. I graduated last in my class in high school. My future wasn't the brightest, so I had to join the military to pay for college. He taught me what true perseverance was and most importantly, he taught me humility. I graduated with my Ph.D in chemical physics and masters in theoretical chemistry four years ago. It wasn't easy and it cost me dearly (living in isolation... not having a life for 11 years). If it wasn't for him demanding and living a life of excellence that was nothing short of extraordinary, I would have never achieved anything in life. Watching this scene reminds me so much of him. He showed me kindness when I needed it most and didn't even understand why until years later. There isn't one day that doesn't go by that I don't think about him.
It’s always amazing when you meet these kind of individuals in real life. You hear about them all the time in stories or those rare moments in history, but you never truly believe people can be that good until you see it
Notice how the Gendarme represent justice, the bishop represents Christ, and Jean Val Jean represents all of us. Notice how the Bishop does not hate justice (the gendarme) he offers them wine. Yet because of Christ's sacrifice for us (represented by the pieces of silver), He can show Jean mercy. Justice does not rob mercy, and mercy does not rob justice because of Christ's sacrifice for all of us in the garden and on the cross.
I actually really like this version. In most versions of the story, the priest turns Valjean to the righteous path through naught but his good will and inspiring mercy. In this though, the priest is a spiritual hard nose that basically tells Valjean "you've already been through Hell, now make something of yourself dammit!" It's a very different take but it is an interesting one.
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you." Matthew 5:38-42 The bishop in this scene is truly living the message of Christ.
This is my favorite version of Les Mis. Of course I love the songs in a play, but when watching it as a movie, I like how they just tell the story. Also this is what a real "man of god" should behave like.
Nooo, in this moment he wasn't sure, this was the moment in which he started to doubt, the moment in which he changed was after this when he took a coin of a child without realizing, and when he relized he looked for the child to return it but he never found him, in that moment he thougth he had two paths in life to choose, to become the most evil man in the world or the best one, and we all know what he decided.
He never sells away the candlesticks in the book. Its the last thing he bequeaths Cosette and Marius. The most valuable items he recieves, and they represent his ultimate shame and commitment to following gods will, to the point that he can´t sell them away for earthly wealth
What a great example of awe inspiring Christian grace. I'm not even Christian but stuff like this scene really show the appeal of the faith. And Liam Neeson's acting is superb here. Comparing the look of hesitant, shameful anger and desperation in his face when he hits the Bishop, to the look of trembling awe at the end.....breathtaking
It's a lovely representation of Christ's love. We're all sinners,and we rob God and spit in His face through our sin.Yet He,through His Son Jesus Christ paid our debt and gives His grace to those who believe and call out to Him.
what's really amazing is that if you think about it, that decision by the Bishop to free Valjean, in effect indirectly saved not only Valjean's life but Cosette's as well, and it also gave Fantine an emotion she never had, hope, before she died
The Bishop's goodness even made it's way to Javert, and inspired him to be merciful to Valjean. For people of goodwill and good deeds, life on earth can become quite tolerable, even glorious.
I looked for this scene...it was easily one of the few most powerful film scenes i have seen ever. ...power of forgiveness can be extraordinarily strong on a guy.
In my opinion, this is the most powerful chapter chapter / scene in all of literature / film. It perfectly portrays the type of person that many of us are in some respects (Valjean before his transformation by the Bishop's pure love and charity) and the type of person that we should strive to become (the Bishop). I believe that Victor Hugo was inspired of God as he wrote this.
I had never seen this movie, but my sister had the soundtrack for the musical when I was growing up, so I'd heard of the story. My wife and I were in a prophetic class and they gave us an exercise to ask God for a movie for the other person and she just kept getting Jean Val Jean and gave me an idea of what his character was like. It intrigued me enough to search out a copy of this version and when I came to this scene I felt God's mercy all over it and I began to weep at the beauty of His generosity and love for His children. The next day, I had a group of people pray for me and a girl got a word for me and though she thought it was weird she said "Candlestick?" I laughed and was reminded of just how much God is involved in our lives. He sees when we weep and he honors every tear. He was affirming for me that I was right in seeing his Spirit all over that scene and that he led me to experience him in that way. Even the darkness of Hollywood cannot keep out the light and love of God.
One of the finest films ever made, Liam Neeson was exceptional in this role, Uma Thurman, Geoffrey Rush, Clare Danes and other fine actors. This scene is so moving.
The best depiction of Grace and Righteous Judgment in Christ ever put in cinema. Every word is so well chosen. Offer these men some WINE, they must be THIRSTY ( aren’t we all thirsty of the precious blood of our Lord). This man has WASTED a lot of time. Wow! I RANSOMED you out of fear and hatred! This scene fills me with HIS unconditional love every time. My eyes filled with tears of hope and joy. Yes and Amen ✝️💗. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Not my favourite depiction of this scene, but still my favourite scene in all of literature (and film). Whenever I feel like my personal compass is losing its proper sense of direction, watching or reading this scene helps me realign in the direction I know I should be going. Thank you for posting!
I have changed my mind - this is now my favorite depiction of this scene. Its harshness compared to the others, and especially Valjean hitting the Bishop, used to taint it a bit for me, but I now appreciate the scene for its realism and find that I can better relate to it as a result. The world is a harsh place, and Valjean’s actions and the Bishop’s reactions in this depiction are very credible. All of which make the Bishop’s incredible act of charity at the end - and Valjean’s stupefaction at what was happening - more impactful, at least for me.
Just watched this again and two more parallels between the Bishop and the Saviour jumped out at me. 1. The candlesticks are like the parable in Matthew 5: “If any man will ... take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” 2. The releasing of the handcuffs is more than just mercy tempering justice - it is also a metaphor for being released from the bondage of sin. John 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
@@Abc-fd5jwpope John Paul 2 forgave the man who shoot him and a woman at my church forgave the isis who bombed our church while she was holding the pieces of her dead son who was about 11 years old
Even before they caught him, he was turning the other cheek. "So, we'll use wooden spoons!" Probably because he understood the ridiculous impositions made on ex-cons by the government. What an understanding man.
I thank You LORD for your great love and mercy for us Justice - getting what you deserve. Grace - getting what you don't deserve. Mercy - not getting what you do deserve. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~ Hebrew 4:16
"He's lost a lot of time..." Indeed, it's never too late to change your life. As the Chinese say, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time? Now.
Things like this make me remember why compassion is the greatest quality anyone can have, whatever their belief system. I think the bishop would have done things like this whether he grew up a Muslim or a Jew or a Catholic. Catholics have no corner on goodness.
"what happened to your eye, monsignor"? well played given that Peter Vaughan is blind in that eye. oh, and he served the Night"s Watch for many years the cold got to him.
This is what humanity should learn from this short line. Your redeemed and now go out and be better. Priest really does a amazing version of what Jesus would have done for us. We do horrible things and yet are redeemed by our faults. Being a better man means being forgiven as the priest says life gives everyone a second chance. We all don't have much time as he says. So be better. 😎
The gospel before us. The monk is like a figure of Jesus and Valjean each and one of us. New man=being born again, the silver= the Cross, fear and hatred =life before Jesus and after all that now he belongs to God. What a movie!!!
The emphasis here is on the righteous authority of the Bishop, rather than a 'random act of kindness' awakening Jean's conscience. An fascinating variation on a famous scene.
This is excellent. This scene made me cry. Those who hurt us are the people we need to forgive for them to given back to God. We forgive and we let God to take charge. We exercise the attribute of God through forgiveness. Mercy is the most beautiful trait of God given to humans. Humans as we are, we are not perfect. We can only live this life with forgiveness. Love cannot be given without forgiveness. We are all striving to be what Christ had shown to the people: mercy on the cross. "Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." The people hurt us because they had no idea how much God loves them because someone people have been mean to them or people have been unjust to them. The priest showed how much of Christ he had become. He has already forgiven him through Christ. Forgiveness can transform human heart. If we forgive those who have harm us and hurt us through the grace of Jesus Christ, this world will be a peaceful place. We all contribute to peace in the world. We cannot put the blame for lack of peace to the leaders of nations bombing another nation without us doing our own piece of work torwards justice and peace. Let us pray that people will be more transformative in our work for justice and peace through forgiveness.
" ...and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." - Jesus (NASB)
You forget this is NOT mere fiction. The bishop was modeled after a real bishop of Digne. Hugo's Bishop was called Bishop Charles-François-Bienvenu Myriel. At the same time the novel is set, the Bishop of Digne was called François-Melchior-Charles-Bienvenu de Miollis. Up to this day, he is revered in the diocese of Digne as a kind and charitable man - which is why he had received the name "bienvenu" - "welcome" to begin with.
The animated version of this movie called "Shoujo Cosette" was also very good. Throughout the 40-50 eps of the anime, I especially liked Eponine which in this movies almost doesn't exist. My favorite scene from this Liam Neeson version of the movie, in my opinion better without a doubt than this one is at the Jean Valjean trial when everyone was against that poor, clueless, witless defender; accused for no reason else then closing a case that has been dragged for too long through finding an ideal escape goat, and the courtroom laughs at him more than once, and certainly more than the real Jean Valjean can bare.
I remember watched this movie when i was a kid and this scene was touched my heart, especially when the bishop ask him why he left behind the most expensive silver and give it to JV (i dnt even remember how this story ends 😅) as a kid i was stunned bcz i was told that bad act will get punnishment, but the bisshop didn't punnish JV and even tell a lie to protect him, and how it changed JV's life
Valjean KNOWS he's guilty. The Bishop hands Valjean the 2 candle-holders he had left, leaving him bewildered, asking the Bishop why he let him go. The Bishop says he had bought Valjean’s life; he gave him the silverware, so now, Valjean should go and live a life of goodness and obedience to God. The Bishop’s doing, on a small scale, parallels the sacrifice of Christ-the bishop gave up his greatest treasure, so God gives up His greatest gift, His son, which demands a response from people.
'What have i done sweet jesus what have I done become a thief in the night became a dog on the run and have I fallen so far and is the hour so late that nothing remains but the cry of my hate'
The actual book talks at length about the virtues of the good hearted bishop before his encounter with the thief. One faithful story ends and a new one begins. Let the eternal flame carry on ...
I've watched the 2012 version I've gotta say I really loved the movie so much.. although I did not like the singing all through the movie which was kind of ruining the story.. until I saw this the more serious version of it which I was looking for quite a while
One of the most beautiful scenes in all of literature or in the movies to showcase the real nature of the Christian God--a God a surpassing, breath-taking mercy to all who would come to Him though Jesus.
Everything that modern Christian republitards are not.
Nocturnal Recluse some but not all.
Somewhat ironically, the Bishop was written as a criticism of the Christians of the day as well. Per wikipedia:
"As Hugo set to work on the novel in 1848 after a long interruption, his anti-clerical son Charles objected to presenting Myriel as "a prototype of perfection and intelligence", suggesting instead someone from "a liberal, modern profession, like a doctor". The novelist replied:[3]
I cannot put the future into the past. My novel takes place in 1815. For the rest, this Catholic priest, this pure and lofty figure of true priesthood, offers the most savage satire on the priesthood today."
Bob Fox it's a pity this is all fiction and story book stuff. In reality he would be in one of our overcrowded nicks. The irony being a longer sentence for nicking from a church and silver being more valuable than plastic a few years on top. Still the romanticism is still there and it's only a book. Dream on lol
for he came to set the captive free
"with this silver, I bought your soul, I ransomed you from fear and hatred....
and now I give you back to God."
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is what a real Bishop should act like - caring about the man over the materials.
What a real human should act like; not just a bishop.
Jeff Brown
Well, some fellow humans are not so well-inclined towards others, and want to take advantage of others.
Every Bishop I know acts the same way as this man.
Exactly!
@@WhiteBraveheart1 you must know some good ones..
There was a drill instructor I loathed when I was matriculating through infantry school. I had a long road ahead of me of wanting to become a combat and flight medic. There was one particular cadre everyone feared, Dr. Sergeant Schwartz. He was older than most of the other drill instructors. He had hair so blonde, it was almost white and piercing blue eyes. During physical fitness, he was the main instructor for the tier-1 soldiers that were the most physically fit, within our company. In other words, his running group, on average, was running 2 mile in under 12:00 minutes and long runs consisting of 5-8 miles. You didn't train with him unless you meet very high standards (I was glad I didn't fall into his group... I didn't need that type of pain). By the 3rd week of school, I noticed many of the drill instructors didn't interact with him, however, EVERYONE RESPECTED HIM. He didn't curse, didn't make fun of anyone, and mostly was an observer. He was peculiar, in many ways. For instance, he refereed to individuals in the plural as Bravo Company and when anyone failed would comment WE ALL just needed more proper motivation... more discipline. I feared him because he expected a level of physical and mental standards that frankly I didn't think I was capable of. He expected nothing short of excellence from everyone. You made a mistake and that was it. He was owed pain and sweat.
One day, I received a letter my mother had a serious injury. The next day was our PT test. I didn't have it in me to run 3 miles. I dropped out of the run which would have resulted in being sent home. Upon dropping out, he knew there was something wrong. He immediately ran behind me and motivated me till the end of the run. I had to do 200 push ups for falling out of the run. While the other drill instructors were laughing at me, because I was silently sobbing (due to my mother), he saw me quite again. I just didn't care. He got down on the ground and told me to look at him. He kept telling me, "It's OK...just don't stop... don't stop." Shortly after, I explained to him what had happened. Later that day, he called me to his office. He waited outside and said to pick up the phone. It was my mom (she was OK). I walked out of his office attempting to fight tears. He walked up to me and told me, "private... you don't quite... ever!"
There was an African private, Abbo, with a very heavy accent. Initially, everyone thought Drill Sergeant Schwartz was racist because he was always yelling at Abbo but strangely would always pull him to the side and have long talks with him. Many of us thought Drill Sergeant Schwartz was being an outright bigot and picking on the soldier. It was only later, during graduation, when we saw a tall beautiful African woman run up to Sergeant Schwarz, along with her infant child, embracing Sergeant Schwarz with tears and repeatedly telling him thank you. She kept thanking him so much for talking to immigration to fast track her citizenship. Obviously, she was Abbo's wife. Sergeant Schwartz had a brother in law, who worked in immigration, who made sure Abbo's family would be there for his graduation.
Right before graduation, Drill Sergeant Schwartz was conducting a long 12 mile road march. A soldier fainted on the road march due to a heat stroke. He carried the crippled soldier for half a mile so the soldier wouldn't have to repeat the last phase of training again. He asked me to pick up his ruck sack and to put it in the medical jeep. To my surprise, I found out he put weights in his ruck sack. I asked him why the weights and he replied, "Because that's what it takes to elevate yourself when you don't think you're smart enough or strong enough."
When I finally graduated, I saw him in full dress uniform. The decorations/honors were nothing short of breathe taking: the infantry blue cord, the Airborne tab, the U.S. Ranger tab, expert marksman tab, a master jumper, and the blue special forces tab. He was the most decorated soldier there. To everyone's surprise his family was there, as well. He had a beautiful wife along with six to seven girls that loved and adored their father dearly. He was so compassionate/tender with his family. This was a side most of us didn't think was possible. At the time, I didn't know what to make out of it. He made a profound impact on me because he bestowed a special level of kindness/respect towards me and others that wasn't deserving but was given graciously. I graduated last in my class in high school. My future wasn't the brightest, so I had to join the military to pay for college. He taught me what true perseverance was and most importantly, he taught me humility. I graduated with my Ph.D in chemical physics and masters in theoretical chemistry four years ago. It wasn't easy and it cost me dearly (living in isolation... not having a life for 11 years). If it wasn't for him demanding and living a life of excellence that was nothing short of extraordinary, I would have never achieved anything in life.
Watching this scene reminds me so much of him. He showed me kindness when I needed it most and didn't even understand why until years later. There isn't one day that doesn't go by that I don't think about him.
Incredibly inspiring story.
Thank you for sharing what happened to you. Human beings are capable of so many grand, beautiful acts. Kindness and love are the greatest ones.
Beautiful story
It’s always amazing when you meet these kind of individuals in real life. You hear about them all the time in stories or those rare moments in history, but you never truly believe people can be that good until you see it
Your spelling and grammar is atrocious. No offense
Notice how the Gendarme represent justice, the bishop represents Christ, and Jean Val Jean represents all of us.
Notice how the Bishop does not hate justice (the gendarme) he offers them wine. Yet because of Christ's sacrifice for us (represented by the pieces of silver), He can show Jean mercy. Justice does not rob mercy, and mercy does not rob justice because of Christ's sacrifice for all of us in the garden and on the cross.
"do not think I have come to abolish the Law.. I have come to fulfill them.. and turn sinners back to repentance". Thank you Jesus
My thought exactly. Such an excellent metaphor for the Atonement. Great summary Derek!
Nothing to add! Thank you, my friend!
"The judge speaks in the name of justice. The priest speaks in the name of mercy, which is only a more exalted form of justice."
The only difference between justice and mercy is who pays the cost. Mercy is therefore also a form of justice.
I actually really like this version. In most versions of the story, the priest turns Valjean to the righteous path through naught but his good will and inspiring mercy. In this though, the priest is a spiritual hard nose that basically tells Valjean "you've already been through Hell, now make something of yourself dammit!" It's a very different take but it is an interesting one.
It's also far more realistic. Turning someone's life around with just good will and no financial security is extremely rare.
Such is America today, instant gratification.
he used Valjean's own promise to become a new man
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you." Matthew 5:38-42
The bishop in this scene is truly living the message of Christ.
But remember this my brother, see in this some higher plan.
You must use this precious silver to become an honest man!
This scene fills my eyes with tears
Tore Bolhoej I'm with you tore. this is my story .... a life a failure, shame and redemption. I watch this movie at least once a year.
This is my favorite version of Les Mis. Of course I love the songs in a play, but when watching it as a movie, I like how they just tell the story. Also this is what a real "man of god" should behave like.
This. This is the moment in which Jean forever changed and became just like the bishop in his kind heartedness.
The look on his face at 3:23 - one of the most powerful scenes I have seen. LOVE this movie -
Nooo, in this moment he wasn't sure, this was the moment in which he started to doubt, the moment in which he changed was after this when he took a coin of a child without realizing, and when he relized he looked for the child to return it but he never found him, in that moment he thougth he had two paths in life to choose, to become the most evil man in the world or the best one, and we all know what he decided.
@@rfiscal1538 that little child from Hugo inspired Oscar Wilde to write his short story about the selfish Giant who misses the little boy for years
He never sells away the candlesticks in the book. Its the last thing he bequeaths Cosette and Marius. The most valuable items he recieves, and they represent his ultimate shame and commitment to following gods will, to the point that he can´t sell them away for earthly wealth
Les Miserables is a masterpiece and Viktor Hugo is a genius! Absolutely beautiful and touching scene.
just bought the book.... original printing cannot wait to hold such a work in my hands
@mrsavoy66 how was the read?
What a great example of awe inspiring Christian grace. I'm not even Christian but stuff like this scene really show the appeal of the faith. And Liam Neeson's acting is superb here. Comparing the look of hesitant, shameful anger and desperation in his face when he hits the Bishop, to the look of trembling awe at the end.....breathtaking
It's a lovely representation of Christ's love. We're all sinners,and we rob God and spit in His face through our sin.Yet He,through His Son Jesus Christ paid our debt and gives His grace to those who believe and call out to Him.
I honestly wish we could see more people like The Bishop. He’s the true representation of what real Christians are
Well said
I'm definitely not a religious man, but this sure breaks my heart every time.
This scene should be a daily requirement for me to watch. So powerful!
Sometimes we just need someone to give us a chance. To become a new man
Make that promise.
This is an example of true Christian charity and forgiveness
what's really amazing is that if you think about it, that decision by the Bishop to free Valjean, in effect indirectly saved not only Valjean's life but Cosette's as well, and it also gave Fantine an emotion she never had, hope, before she died
The Bishop's goodness even made it's way to Javert, and inspired him to be merciful to Valjean. For people of goodwill and good deeds, life on earth can become quite tolerable, even glorious.
I looked for this scene...it was easily one of the few most powerful film scenes i have seen ever. ...power of forgiveness can be extraordinarily strong on a guy.
In my opinion, this is the most powerful chapter chapter / scene in all of literature / film. It perfectly portrays the type of person that many of us are in some respects (Valjean before his transformation by the Bishop's pure love and charity) and the type of person that we should strive to become (the Bishop). I believe that Victor Hugo was inspired of God as he wrote this.
100% true
One of the best scenes/messages ever!
This scene brings back hope to me in humanity.
This is my favourite movie version of Les Miserables
I had never seen this movie, but my sister had the soundtrack for the musical when I was growing up, so I'd heard of the story. My wife and I were in a prophetic class and they gave us an exercise to ask God for a movie for the other person and she just kept getting Jean Val Jean and gave me an idea of what his character was like. It intrigued me enough to search out a copy of this version and when I came to this scene I felt God's mercy all over it and I began to weep at the beauty of His generosity and love for His children. The next day, I had a group of people pray for me and a girl got a word for me and though she thought it was weird she said "Candlestick?" I laughed and was reminded of just how much God is involved in our lives. He sees when we weep and he honors every tear. He was affirming for me that I was right in seeing his Spirit all over that scene and that he led me to experience him in that way. Even the darkness of Hollywood cannot keep out the light and love of God.
One of the finest films ever made, Liam Neeson was exceptional in this role, Uma Thurman, Geoffrey Rush, Clare Danes and other fine actors. This scene is so moving.
I absolutely love this scene. Have used it for church discussions and for my personal reflection. Just beautiful.
Still the most beautiful moment in all of literature and cinema. Makes me cry every time. Lord, in You Mercy, make me more like the Bishop of Digne.
The best depiction of Grace and Righteous Judgment in Christ ever put in cinema. Every word is so well chosen. Offer these men some WINE, they must be THIRSTY ( aren’t we all thirsty of the precious blood of our Lord). This man has WASTED a lot of time. Wow!
I RANSOMED you out of fear and hatred!
This scene fills me with HIS unconditional love every time. My eyes filled with tears of hope and joy. Yes and Amen ✝️💗. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Not my favourite depiction of this scene, but still my favourite scene in all of literature (and film). Whenever I feel like my personal compass is losing its proper sense of direction, watching or reading this scene helps me realign in the direction I know I should be going. Thank you for posting!
+MrDJS444 This is also something i turn to in the book and for similar reasons :)
well said! my thoughts exactly
MrDJS444 please tell me what version is the best
I have changed my mind - this is now my favorite depiction of this scene. Its harshness compared to the others, and especially Valjean hitting the Bishop, used to taint it a bit for me, but I now appreciate the scene for its realism and find that I can better relate to it as a result. The world is a harsh place, and Valjean’s actions and the Bishop’s reactions in this depiction are very credible. All of which make the Bishop’s incredible act of charity at the end - and Valjean’s stupefaction at what was happening - more impactful, at least for me.
Just watched this again and two more parallels between the Bishop and the Saviour jumped out at me. 1. The candlesticks are like the parable in Matthew 5: “If any man will ... take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” 2. The releasing of the handcuffs is more than just mercy tempering justice - it is also a metaphor for being released from the bondage of sin. John 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
True christianity.
Yeah, right.
@@ChadKakashi Except it is
Fact. And a blessing unto you.
Show me one Christian who would act like that bishop. Not even the pope would.
@@Abc-fd5jwpope John Paul 2 forgave the man who shoot him and a woman at my church forgave the isis who bombed our church while she was holding the pieces of her dead son who was about 11 years old
My favourite scene in the movie and the book.
When I give up on humanity sometimes I turn this in and makes me believe in it again.
Even before they caught him, he was turning the other cheek. "So, we'll use wooden spoons!" Probably because he understood the ridiculous impositions made on ex-cons by the government. What an understanding man.
Madame Giloux was literally sobbing over silverware that didn't even belong to her LOL
Incredibly Powerful tale of human redemption.
This movie changed me , it mentally changed me .such a great powerful movie .
This movie is tragically underrated, and this may chap someone’s a$$ but it’s far superior to the 2012 version in my opinion
Of course it is. Everything nowadays sucks .
I thank You LORD for your great love and mercy for us
Justice - getting what you deserve.
Grace - getting what you don't deserve.
Mercy - not getting what you do deserve.
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~ Hebrew 4:16
after this incident, he dedicated his life to the force and became Qui-Gon Jinn
My favorite version
The true heart of Christ.
R.I.P. Bishop Myriel.
Forgive them, seventy times seven...
+ebannaw wut
+Akomondo It's a quote from the bible. Jesus says that he will not forgive people 7 times but he will forgive them 70 times 7.
pray for me
Forgive them 490?
"He's lost a lot of time..." Indeed, it's never too late to change your life.
As the Chinese say, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time? Now.
Things like this make me remember why I'm Catholic.
You do know that the book this was based on was placed on the index, don't you?
Christophe Keating And?
+Christophe Keating yes but wasn't the index abolished in 1966 by Pope Paul VI
Things like this make me remember why compassion is the greatest quality anyone can have, whatever their belief system. I think the bishop would have done things like this whether he grew up a Muslim or a Jew or a Catholic. Catholics have no corner on goodness.
Same, the gates of hell will not overcome us
"what happened to your eye, monsignor"? well played given that Peter Vaughan is blind in that eye. oh, and he served the Night"s Watch for many years the cold got to him.
Ooh, I was wondering how I recognised him
Jean val Jean my brother, you no longer belong to evil. With this silver ive ransomed you from fear and from hatred, and now, I give you back to God.
This is what humanity should learn from this short line. Your redeemed and now go out and be better. Priest really does a amazing version of what Jesus would have done for us. We do horrible things and yet are redeemed by our faults. Being a better man means being forgiven as the priest says life gives everyone a second chance. We all don't have much time as he says. So be better. 😎
The gospel before us. The monk is like a figure of Jesus and Valjean each and one of us. New man=being born again, the silver= the Cross, fear and hatred =life before Jesus and after all that now he belongs to God.
What a movie!!!
The emphasis here is on the righteous authority of the Bishop, rather than a 'random act of kindness' awakening Jean's conscience. An fascinating variation on a famous scene.
Where men cry.
With this silver i bought your soul❤
This was the greatest movie version of this novel
This is excellent. This scene made me cry. Those who hurt us are the people we need to forgive for them to given back to God. We forgive and we let God to take charge. We exercise the attribute of God through forgiveness. Mercy is the most beautiful trait of God given to humans. Humans as we are, we are not perfect. We can only live this life with forgiveness. Love cannot be given without forgiveness. We are all striving to be what Christ had shown to the people: mercy on the cross. "Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." The people hurt us because they had no idea how much God loves them because someone people have been mean to them or people have been unjust to them. The priest showed how much of Christ he had become. He has already forgiven him through Christ. Forgiveness can transform human heart. If we forgive those who have harm us and hurt us through the grace of Jesus Christ, this world will be a peaceful place. We all contribute to peace in the world. We cannot put the blame for lack of peace to the leaders of nations bombing another nation without us doing our own piece of work torwards justice and peace. Let us pray that people will be more transformative in our work for justice and peace through forgiveness.
Most powerful scene in the history of stories!
And in the history of scenes and in the history of power.
A beautiful scene.
R.I.P. Peter Vaughan
"I knew your name from the first moment that I saw you. Your name is: my brother" - from the book, which I very highly recommend reading!
POWERFUL! love this movie.
It was a great scene
" ...and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." - Jesus (NASB)
Jean Valjean gets OWNED by the Bishop
Set free!
I'm reading the book now. Good story.
I like the musical but I prefer this version of Les Miserables to the musical for some reason
This must be one of the most wonderful scenes ever written.
You forget this is NOT mere fiction. The bishop was modeled after a real bishop of Digne. Hugo's Bishop was called Bishop Charles-François-Bienvenu Myriel. At the same time the novel is set, the Bishop of Digne was called François-Melchior-Charles-Bienvenu de Miollis. Up to this day, he is revered in the diocese of Digne as a kind and charitable man - which is why he had received the name "bienvenu" - "welcome" to begin with.
Now that is what a real Christian does
Best scene of the whole movie.
When I first watched this, I wondered why nobody was singing :D
I love this scene
This is what being a Christian should look like.
The animated version of this movie called "Shoujo Cosette" was also very good. Throughout the 40-50 eps of the anime, I especially liked Eponine which in this movies almost doesn't exist. My favorite scene from this Liam Neeson version of the movie, in my opinion better without a doubt than this one is at the Jean Valjean trial when everyone was against that poor, clueless, witless defender; accused for no reason else then closing a case that has been dragged for too long through finding an ideal escape goat, and the courtroom laughs at him more than once, and certainly more than the real Jean Valjean can bare.
Christ was sold for 30 pieces of silver. This man was sold to God for the price of silver. How beautiful this was. It broke my heart, too.😢
it's a powerful scene!
Love this scene.
I cried
Sometimes I am thinking 🤔 myself..is it possible for me to be a new Markus Aurelius...😂
Acts of kindness are seldom in vain.
take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
this was the only version of cinema movies "Les Miserables" I ever watched
"You no longer belong to evil!"
Grace.
I remember watched this movie when i was a kid and this scene was touched my heart, especially when the bishop ask him why he left behind the most expensive silver and give it to JV (i dnt even remember how this story ends 😅) as a kid i was stunned bcz i was told that bad act will get punnishment, but the bisshop didn't punnish JV and even tell a lie to protect him, and how it changed JV's life
Valjean KNOWS he's guilty. The Bishop hands Valjean the 2 candle-holders he had left, leaving him bewildered, asking the Bishop why he let him go. The Bishop says he had bought Valjean’s life; he gave him the silverware, so now, Valjean should go and live a life of goodness and obedience to God. The Bishop’s doing, on a small scale, parallels the sacrifice of Christ-the bishop gave up his greatest treasure, so God gives up His greatest gift, His son, which demands a response from people.
Masterpiece. the penetrating eyes of the god through the monk. And a promise that you must sustain regardless of what....
"We have wooden cutlery quit your whining lady"
'What have i done sweet jesus what have I done become a thief in the night became a dog on the run and have I fallen so far and is the hour so late that nothing remains but the cry of my hate'
Wish someone woukd make an episodic reboot of les mis but being into god is too alt right
The actual book talks at length about the virtues of the good hearted bishop before his encounter with the thief. One faithful story ends and a new one begins. Let the eternal flame carry on ...
Your good deeds don't just effect u it effects the world.
Measter Amon from Game of Thrones as the Bishop.
Madame Gilot is sitting there crying into a hankie over The Church's set of silverware, LOL
only a dragon can tame Jean Valjean
02:47 changed my life.
Maester Aemon is that you?
But my friend, you left so early. Surely something slipped your mind! You forgot I gave these also. Would you leave the best behind?
Very very moveing🙏
Nice Scene!
They deleted the scene where he is at his crossroads and tears up his yellow passort ...its in the trailer but not the movie
I've watched the 2012 version I've gotta say I really loved the movie so much.. although I did not like the singing all through the movie which was kind of ruining the story.. until I saw this the more serious version of it which I was looking for quite a while
you know it's based on a musical right..?
+Powderwombat That means he can't like the non-musical version better...?
@@Powderwombat To late but, it's based on a book.
seen this fellow on the wall as aemon targaryen earlier tonight and just came upon him by chance here… coincidence?
The Gospel, in a nutshell!