Les Misérables (1998 film)

Les Misérables is a 1998 film about a former criminal, who has atoned for his past and now finds himself in the midst of the French Revolution, avoiding a law-obsessed policeman hell-bent on capturing him. Directed by Bille August. Written by Rafael Yglesias, based on the Victor Hugo novel of the same name. The legend comes to life. Jean Valjean Nineteen years, now the real punishment begins. [to Fantine, as he is being taken away] This is right, my dear. I stole something, I did. I stole happiness with you. I don't mind paying. Javert Reform is a discredited fantasy. Modern science tells us that people are by nature, law breakers or law abiders. A wolf could wear sheep's clothing but he's still a wolf. [about Valjean] He lies so well, doesn't he? He's had a lot of practice. A lifetime of lies. It's a pity the law doesn't allow me to be merciful. Cosette I didn't breathe when you spoke. I was afraid I'd miss a word. Dialogue Mme. Gilot: [sharing their meal] What crime did you commit? Jean Valjean: Maybe I killed someone... How do you know I'm not going to murder you? Bishop: How do you know I'm not going to murder you? Jean Valjean: What is that - a joke? Bishop: I guess we'll have to trust each other. Bishop: Now don't forget, don't ever forget, you've promised to become a new man. Jean Valjean: Promise? Wha, Why are you doing this? Bishop: Jean Valjean my brother you no longer belong to evil. With this silver, I have bought your soul. I've ransomed you from fear and hatred, and now I give you back to God. Jean Valjean: You look better everyday. Fantine: Liar. Jean Valjean: When you're better, I'll find work for you. Fantine: But you don't understand, I'm a whore... and Cosette has no father. Jean Valjean: She has the Lord. He is her father. And you're his creation. In his eyes, you have never been anything but an innocent and... beautiful woman. Jean Valjean: You might be making a mistake. Javert: Mistake? What kind of mistake is that? Jean Valjean: Sometimes, people move into town to start a new slate, you might be doing more harm than good by prying into their private lives. Javert: Monsieur, a serious... a grave violation of the public trust has been committed. An inferior has shown a complete lack of respect for the law. He must be exposed and punished. Jean Valjean: Who is the offender? Javert: I am. I slandered you Monsieur le maire, I'm here to ask that you demand my dismissal. Judge: Monsieur le maire, I know you to be a kind man, but this... Jean Valjean: A kind? A kind man? When I was in prison I was as ignorant and mean and devious as these men here, but not kind. And I wish I could keep my mouth shut and let this poor wretch suffer for me, but... continue with your investigation, monsieur, you will find further proof that I am Valjean. Jean Valjean: Brevet, Lombard, Bertin. Look at me. You recognize me? I recognize you, Brevet. You were an informer in Toulon, I see you're still a snitch. Brevet: Valjean? Jean Valjean: Hello, Brevet. [turns to Lombard] And you, Lombard, don't look at my fancy clothes, don't look at my scraped chin. Look at my eyes. You called yourself Godless, right? You've got a scar on your left shoulder. I gave it to you the night you tried to kill me, remember? When I pinned you over the stove. Lombard: It is you... Jean Valjean: Show the court your scar. [Lombard bares his shoulder revealing the scar] Jean Valjean: Bertin, the hollow of your left arm, there's a date tatooed, 1789, the year of the revolution. Show them! [Bertin rolls up his sleave to reveal the tattoo] Jean Valjean: I know these men, Monsieur le President, and they know me. I am the man you want. I am Jean Valjean. Captain Beauvais: [pointing a pistol at Valjean with a trembling hand] Are you a convict? Is that true? Jean Valjean: Yes. Captain Beauvais: Where's the inspector, in there? Jean Valjean: Inside. Captain Beauvais: Did you kill him? [Valjean shakes his head] Captain Beauvais: [lowers his pistol] That's a pity. [hands over his pistol to Valjean] You'd better hit me hard enough... to make a lump. Marius: If we can't win today, then none of us have a future. Jean Valjean: You have love. That's the only future God gives us. Cosette: Please tell me what this is all about, papa. Please, please tell me what this is. Please, what is it? Jean Valjean: [stammering] I... I am a convict. When I was young... just your age I was very poor, I was starving. One day, I stood in front of the window. A window full of bread, there was just glass between me... and not being hungry anymore, it was so easy. So I broke it... and took what I wanted. Then they caught me... and put me in chains for almost 19 years. They did things to me... I can't tell you about it, and I did things, there in jail. Terrible things. I became an animal. They took my dignity, they took everything from me. Cast Liam Neeson - Jean Valjean Geoffrey Rush - Javert Uma Thurman - Fantine Claire Danes - Cosette Mimi Newman - young Cosette Hans Matheson - Marius Pontmercy Jon Kenny and Gillian Hanna - the Thénardiers John McGlynn - Carnot Kelly Hunter - Mme Victurien Shane Hervey - Gavroche Lennie James - Enjolras Sylvie Koblizkova - Éponine Peter Vaughan - Bishop Myriel Julian Rhind-Tutt - Bamatabois David Birkin - Courfeyrac Ben Crompton - Grantier Patsy Byrne - Toussaint Frank O'Sullivan - Brevet Christopher Adamson - Bertin Tim Barlow - Lafitte Shannon McCormick - Redheaded Gendarme Reine Brynolfsson - Captain Beauvais Kathleen Byron - Mother Superior Toby Jones - Doorkeeper Edward Tudor Pole - Landlord External links 0119683 Les Misérables lesmiserables98 Les Misérables 1083326-les_miserables Les Misérables Category:1998 films Category:Crime films Category:Films based on novels Category:Films based on works by Victor Hugo Category:Romantic drama films