“Les Misérables” (2012)

“Les Misérables” (2012) is a musical drama film directed by Tom Hooper, based on the classic musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, which in turn is adapted from Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. The film is set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France and tells a sweeping tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption, interwoven with the political unrest of the time.
The story follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a man who is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Despite being given a second chance at life by a kindly bishop, Valjean struggles to overcome the stigma of his past. He breaks parole and attempts to start anew, but he is relentlessly pursued by the rigid and merciless police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).
Years later, Valjean has become a successful factory owner and mayor. His life changes again when he meets Fantine (Anne Hathaway), a factory worker turned destitute prostitute who is dying and desperate to save her daughter, Cosette (played as a child by Isabelle Allen and later as an adult by Amanda Seyfried). Valjean promises Fantine that he will take care of Cosette. As he adopts Cosette and raises her as his own, Javert’s hunt for Valjean continues, all while political upheaval threatens to change the course of their lives forever.
In the final act, Cosette falls in love with Marius (Eddie Redmayne), a revolutionary involved in the June Rebellion of 1832. Valjean must navigate protecting his adopted daughter while confronting his past and the inevitable encounter with Javert.