Based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Les Miserables is the epic story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who was persecuted for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. While imprisoned Valjean meets his future nemesis, the fanatical Inspector Javert. After serving his time, Valjean attempts to forge a new life as a good citizen, but the obsessive Javert can't let him go and pursues Valjean throughout the years to come.