Les Miserables

In 1815, France is on its knees after defeat at the battle of Waterloo. Jean Valjean is nearing the end of his sentence at the prison hulks in Toulon after serving 19 years for a petty crime, and is released by ambitious prison guard Javert.

An encounter with a bishop forces Jean Valjean to consider his morality. Fantine leaves Paris to find work. Jean Valjean forges a new identity, and Javert is determined to catch him out.

Tormented Jean Valjean is forced by Javert and his own conscience to reveal his true identity. He is arrested and Javert believes he has got his man for good this time. Valjean breaks free from the guards to find Fantine in the infirmary.

In 1832, teenage Cosette begins to question her closeted life in the convent. She and Valjean decide to leave and make a new start in Paris, though Valjean worries it may be dangerous.

Paris is on the brink of revolt and unrest spreads through the streets amongst the students and the workers. At General Lamarque's funeral, Marius's comrade Enjolras takes advantage of the chaos.

The army prepares for the next assault on the barricades. Meanwhile, Valjean makes the ultimate heartbreaking decision thinking he is doing the best for his daughter Cosette.