home how it works subscription plans browse movies sign me up! log in
Gift


DETAILS

MPAA Rating - PG13

Length:
    133 Minutes

Genre:
    Drama

Original Release Date:
    Nov 3, 1998

Director
    Bille August

Cast
    Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson

 
Movie Summary
Bille August directed this Rafael Yglesias adaptation of the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo (1802-1885) about the quest of Inspector Javert to capture escaped convict Jean Valjean, originally an honest man who was jailed for stealing a single loaf of bread to feed the family of his starving sister. This new interpretation of Hugos epic begins with Valjean (Liam Neeson), released after 20 years of cruelties and hard labor, reporting for parole in Dijon. Stopping at a bishops house, hes treated with respect, but even so, he steals silverware, flees, and is captured. However, the bishop says the silverware was a gift, proving Valjeans innocence by giving him two silver candlesticks. Valjean is free, but the bishop asks him to treat others with equal kindness. By 1822, Valjean has risen to mayor of the village of Vigau, where he also maintains a successful factory. Joining the local police, Inspector Javert (Geoffrey Rush) is suspicious of Valjeans identity and eventually recognizes him as a former convict, but Javert has no proof when he carries his accusations to Paris. Valjean develops a relationship with Fantine (Uma Thurman), who lost her factory job because of local attitudes about her illegitimate daughter. The starving Fantine turns to prostitution, is arrested and tortured by Javert, and becomes ill. As she dies, Valjean promises to raise her daughter Cosette. Focusing on Valjeans life with Cosette (Claire Danes), the story is set amid the action of the July 1832 Revolution, a time when Cosette falls in love with a militant student, Marius (Hans Matheson). On the banks of the Seine, Valjean and Javert have their final confrontation. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide


USER REVIEWS

No reviews posted


Want to write a review?

Most Dangerous Game

Wonder Man

Stone Reader [Special Edition] [2 Discs]

Order [WS/P&S]

Promesse

Skin Deep [WS]