Plot

In the tumultuous years following the French Revolution, the streets of Paris are filled with despair and desperation. Against this backdrop, Victor Hugo's timeless classic comes to life in Les Misérables. The story begins on the docks of Marseille, where Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a former convict, is released from prison after spending 19 years behind bars for stealing bread to feed his sister's seven children. The cruel and unforgiving Javert (Russell Crowe), who had been Valjean's captor during his imprisonment, is determined to recapture the escaped convict. Upon his release, Valjean is taken in by the compassionate Bishop Myriel (Colm Wilkinson), who treats him with kindness and generosity. Moved by the bishop's actions, Valjean renounces his life of crime and dedicates himself to becoming a better man. He assumes a new identity as Monsieur Madeleine, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist in Montreuil-sur-Mer. Meanwhile, Javert remains obsessed with recapturing Valjean, convinced that the former convict will eventually succumb to his old ways. As Valjean becomes more deeply embroiled in the lives of those around him, including the tragic Fantine (Anne Hathaway) and her daughter Cosette (Isabelle Allen), Javert's relentless pursuit of Valjean threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. The story takes a dramatic turn when Éponine (Samantha Barks), the troubled daughter of the Thénardiers, falls in love with Marius Pontmercy (Eddie Redmayne), a young revolutionary who has become embroiled in the growing student uprising. As the students' demands for social change escalate into violent clashes with government forces, Valjean finds himself torn between his desire to protect Cosette and his sense of responsibility to help those in need. Throughout the film, the characters are forced to confront their own moralities and make difficult choices in the face of adversity. The music, written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, is as powerful as it is poignant, with iconic songs like "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" becoming ingrained in the audience's collective consciousness. Ultimately, Les Misérables is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and the indomitable human spirit. As Valjean's journey comes full circle, he must confront his past and face Javert once again in a final, poignant showdown that will leave audiences moved to tears and cheers.

Reviews