In early 19th century France the paroled prisoner Jean Valjean seeks redemption, regains his social standing, and rises to the rank of mayor. He encounters a beautiful but desperately ill woman named Fantine and cares for her daughter, Cosette, after her death. All the while he is obsessively pursued by the policeman Javert, who vows to make him pay for the crimes of his past.

An ordinary man seemingly has a perfect life. He just got married to a beautiful girl, moved to the city, and has a family to look after and love. During his childhood, his parents constantly made him feel rejected and worthless. Those issues slowly creep into his family life, resulting in a nervous breakdown and violence.