JEAN VALJEAN

1815. Provence, France. In the peaceful village of Digne, there’s a rumour that a dangerous man has entered the area. The hulking Jean has just been released from prison after nineteen years of hard labour. Issued with identification that forever sees him branded a criminal and ostracised, Jean is not surprised to be repeatedly turned away as he seeks refuge for the night. Desperate, he unknowingly knocks at the door of the house of Monseigneur Bienvenu, who lives simply with his sister and a lone servant. Against all odds, Bienvenu invites him in for supper and offers a bed for the night. Despite Jean’s embitterment and lingering mistrust, humanity seems to stir within him, beneath his suffering.