Fantine the prostitute has passed away. Her illegitimate daughter Cosette lives with the Thénardiers who mistreat her. Jean Valjean has been caught for his identity theft. As a punishment he has been sentenced to forced labor, from which he manages to escape. Jean Valjean has decided to save Cosette. But Valjean is being followed – inspector Javert wants to get him behind the bars. Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' is one of the most significant European novels. It takes place in the early 1800's France, and it follows the tragic paths of multiple characters. 'Les Misérables' has been filmed into a movie numerous times. In 2012 Tom Hooper directed a movie starring Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe and Anne Hathaway.