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In nineteenth century France, convict Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson) is paroled after nineteen years' hard labour in prison. He assumes a new identity, becoming a prosperous factory owner, but he is pursued by Javert (Geoffrey Rush), formerly a guard at Valjean's prison, who is obsessed with exposing him. Valjean meanwhile attempts to reunite Fantine (Uma Thurman), a former factory employee who is now dying, and her daughter, Cosette. When Javert tricks him into revealing his true identity, Valjean is forced to flee with Cosette to Paris. Here he becomes embroiled in the revolution, and the vengeful Valjean is still hot on his trail. From .co.uk ----------- In this adaptation of Victor Hugo's evergreen classic ( /exec/obidos/ASIN/0140444300/%24%7B0%7D ), Liam Neeson is Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing bread then paroled after nearly two decades of hard labour. A gift of silver candlesticks from a kindly priest helps him begin anew. Forging a decent and profitable existence, he finds success as a businessman and as the mayor of a small town. He even takes in a pregnant young woman (Uma Thurman) and raises her daughter as his own. But when a former prison guard (Geoffrey Rush) recognises Valjean, his past catches up to him. Director Bille August culls mesmerising performances from his cast, but loses us with an ending that panders to teen audiences. The focus shifts dramatically, and uncomfortably, from the haunted Neeson and his hawk-like pursuer, to his daughter (Claire Danes) and her romance with a handsome revolutionary. After this narrative shift, the script leaves behind Hugo themes of revenge and redemption to focus improbably on teen angst--hardly what the author had on his mind. --Rochelle O'Gorman