Jean Valjean: This French Gem Shows How Second Chances Can Create Honest Men

Jean Valjean is the latest cinematic gem from France which is based on the iconic character from Victor Hugo’s literary masterpiece Les Misérables.

The film is directed by Eric Besnard and stars Gregory Gadebois in the pivotal role of Jean Valjean, supported by French A-listers Bernard Campan, Alexandra Lamy and Isabelle Carre.

Before there was a hero, there was a wretched man.

Set in 1815, the narrative explores the backstory of Jean Valjean, who was released from prison after serving 19 years hard labour for stealing loaves of bread and attempting several escapes.

Freed for just 4 days, he arrives in the village of Digne, Provence and is not surprised that he is turned away from the local inn and several residences. The locals describe him as a wicked, dangerous and frightfully ugly brute.

He finally knocks on the door of Monseigneur Bienvenu (Bernhard Campan), a bishop who lives with his sister (Isabelle Carre) and servant (Alexandra Lamy) and is immediately welcomed into his home – hence an angel meets a demon.

“I tell you I’m a convict and you call me sir?” Valjean announces, unable to comprehend the compassion of this good-natured man.

Valjean’s initial crime was committed through hunger and after all those years of being incarcerated became dehumanised and lost his sense of goodness – can this protagonist, an ex-convict, find redemption and be transformed into an honest man?

Themes which resonate include redemption, justice and forgiveness – the past can’t be undone but should mistakes follow someone’s lives after they have served their time and been released into society? Should he be given a second chance?

Through flashbacks audiences learn crucial aspects of the characters’ past, their motivations and bygone events that shaped their lives, also compounding to the compelling nature of the narrative.

It’s a flawless and highly engaging exploration of moral atonement, beautifully written with career defining performances from the pivotal cast of three. Gregory Gadebois’ portrayal of a man who hates the world and who is running away from the unknown is especially outstanding.

The storytelling in the final act where Valjean recovers his sense of righteousness and becomes an honest man may leave the more sensitive of viewers teary – it’s a poignant yet highly powerful scene which highlights that his moral awakening has been achieved.

Discerning lovers of world cinema should marvel at this emotionally charged historical drama, which is irrefutably the finest cinematic offering from France this year.

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Jean Valjean is in cinemas from April 23.