Les Misérables

In 19th-century France, a time of great social and economic upheaval, Jean Valjean, a former prisoner, is determined to leave his troubled past behind and start anew. His story, however, is far from over. Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, 'Les Misérables' brings to life the struggles and triumphs of this complex and intriguing character. The film opens with Jean Valjean (played by Hugh Jackman), a human being driven by desperation and a desire for sustenance. Valjean, a former prisoner, has just been released from a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's seven children. Under the laws of the time, this crime was punishable by hard labor, and Valjean has spent nearly two decades of his life behind bars. In the midst of this harsh regime, Valjean encounters the then-young and idealistic Bishop Myriel, a Catholic priest who embodies compassion and kindness. When Valjean meets the bishop, he expects to be met with anger and punishment, only to be surprised by the bishop's generosity and forgiveness. Feeling remorse for his past actions and, inspired by the bishop's words, 'You are not a monster. Go out into the world there, and spread love and kindness whenever you make use of it,' Valjean resolves to use this chance to start anew. However, there is one obstacle standing in his way - the relentless and unwavering Constable Javert, who is determined to bring Valjean to justice. Played by Russell Crowe, Javert embodies the harsh and unforgiving side of the law, driven by his own personal conviction that justice must be served. Javert views the world in terms of good and evil, and for him, Valjean is an unrepentant felon who must be punished for his past crimes. As Valjean embarks on a journey to leave his past behind, he assumes the name Monsieur Madeleine and becomes a respected businessman and mayor in a small town. Meanwhile, Javert is doggedly pursuing him, driven by a mixture of duty and obsession. Their paths cross repeatedly, and each time, the tension between them increases, threatening Valjean's new life and identity. However, Valjean's life is far from peaceful. He soon meets Fantine (played by Anne Hathaway), a young woman forced into prostitution to support her daughter after being abandoned by her former lover, Thénardier. As Valjean learns of Fantine's situation, he decides to use his newfound success to help her, donating a significant portion of his earnings to her care. This act of kindness is the catalyst for Fantine's eventual tragic demise. Meanwhile, in 1832, the student revolutions are brewing in Paris, with the people embracing the ideals of freedom and equality. Among the students is Enjolras, a charismatic young man who embodies the spirit of freedom and rebellion. Enjolras, played by Eddie Redmayne, is a leader among his peers, driven by a desire to bring about change in a society that is rigged against the poor and the powerless. Valjean, now an accomplished businessman, witnesses the student uprisings and becomes a protector of the students, inspired by their courage and conviction. As the revolution gains momentum, Valjean finds himself swept up in the chaos, using his skills and resources to aid the students in their fight for freedom. The story takes a tragic turn as Fantine's daughter, Cosette, is forced to live with the ruthless and opportunistic Thénardiers. Valjean, upon hearing of Cosette's situation, risks everything to rescue her from the clutches of the Thénardiers, ultimately taking her in as his own. In the midst of the student revolutions, Enjolras and his fellow revolutionaries are facing a crushing blow from the police and the National Guard. As Valjean fights to survive amidst the chaos, he finds himself in the thick of the battle, facing off against Javert in a climactic confrontation. Ultimately, the students are defeated, and a wave of bloodshed and destruction sweeps through the city. As the dust settles, Valjean is left to ponder the cost of his new life and the choices he has made. Despite his good intentions, Valjean is unable to escape his past, and in the end, it is Javert who becomes the tragic figure, ultimately taking his own life rather than be reclassified to the lower class jobs he detests. 'Les Misérables' is a powerful and moving story of redemption and the human struggle for freedom. Set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous periods in French history, this classic tale reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.