Too many films leave revelation and character transformation until the end of the movie, leaving little time to investigate the difficulties of living a transformed life. In contrast, Billie August's Les Miserables opens with an incredible act of grace which changes ex-convict Jean Valjean's life irrevocably. Liam Neeson puts in a fine performance as Valjean caught in the tension between knowing he's forgiven but hounded by a society what cannot comprehend it. Equally impressive is Geoffrey Rush's turn as Inspector Javert who is counfounded by the anomaly in his code of honour.

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