Condemned to slavery for 19 years after stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), is finally granted parole by Javert (Russell Crowe), but not without a few caveats. Although technically a freeman, Valjean is labelled a "dangerous man" and is very much disliked by the people. Seeking refuge with the Bishop (Colm Wilkinson), Valjean is humbled by the Bishop's generosity and vows to become a better man.
8 years later, Valjean has reinvented himself as the mayor of a small town and owner of a factory. This same factory is where Fantine works, but she is promptly fired by the foreman after it is discovered that she has been sending money to her illegitimate daughter, Cosette, who has been living with a pair of abusive innkeepers, the Thénardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter). Forced to resort to prostitution, Fantine is taken to the hopsital by Valjean one night after being attacked by a customer.
Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean carrying Anne Hathaway, Fantine, to the hospital. Source: The Seven Sees
When Fantine dies, Valjean promises to look after Cosette for her. Paying off the debt to the Thénardiers, Valjean and young Cosette flee to escape Javert, who has now realized that the mayor and Valjean, the prisoner who broke parole, are one and the same.
