When Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, he breaks parole to create a new life for himself, but has to evade Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe), who's determined to bring him to justice. This is the movie version of the Broadway musical, with libretto by Alain Boublil and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, based on Victor Hugo's novel.