France, early 19th century. Cruelly and unfairly, Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson) is convicted and imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. But the convict manages to escape from prison and takes refuge in the poor village of Vigau, of which he will eventually become mayor and which he will turn into a prosperous city. Meanwhile, for the policeman Javert (Geoffrey Rush), finding him has become an obsession and will haunt him relentlessly throughout his life. (FILMAFFINITY)