Les Misérables

Les Misérables (1998) tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who, after spending 19 years in prison for stealing bread, is released and welcomed by Bishop Myriel. Valjean becomes a wealthy industrialist and mayor, but his past catches up with him when Fantine, a single mother working at one of his factories, is fired and forced into prostitution. Valjean nurses Fantine back to health and promises to care for her daughter Cosette, whom he rescues from the corrupt Thénardiers. As Cosette grows up, she falls in love with Marius, and Valjean's pursuit by the relentless policeman Javert becomes a central theme. In the end, Valjean's kindness and generosity ultimately redeem him, and he is finally free.