The movie Les Misérables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, focuses on French investigator Javert's relentless manhunt of a criminal—Jean Valjean. Valjean goes into hiding to evade being captured by Javert, who is resolute on returning him to prison. After many years of guarded living, Valjean glimpses freedom when French rebels capture and plan to kill his pursuer. But instead of allowing the rebels to kill Javert, Valjean frees him from the rebels' clutch.

Even after this act of grace, Javert continues to hunt Valjean, determined more than ever to arrest him. Ultimately, Javert discovers Valjean participating in a commoner's revolt against the French establishment. When Valjean spots Javert, he instinctually flees, escaping through the sewage ducts. Javert trudges after him, cornering Valjean at the banks of the Seine River.

Valjean suspects he finally has met his doom. Javert pulls out his gun and looks at Valjean with a face furrowed with frustration. "You're a difficult problem," he callously tells Valjean and orders him to the concrete precipice overhanging the river.

Uneasy about Javert's plans, Valjean asks, "Why aren't you taking me in?"

Irritated by Valjean's inquisitiveness, Javert crossly commands, "You are my prisoner. Do what I tell you." Shaking his head incredulously, he continues, "You don't understand the importance of the law. I've given you an order. Obey it."

The loaded gun now aimed at his chest, Valjean does as he is ordered. He turns toward the river. Though he can't see Javert, he feels the barrel of his gun now coolly resting on his cheek; one click of the trigger and Javert will finally defeat his enemy.

But Javert is still riddled as to why Valjean freed him from the rebels. He asks, "Why didn't you kill me?"

Blankly, Valjean responds, "I don't have the right to kill you."

"But you hate me," Javert reasons.

"I don't hate you," Valjean impassively continues. "I don't feel anything."

Miffed by Valjean's response, Javert threatens, "You don't want to go back to the quarries, do you?"

Valjean stands in silence, recalling his previous stint in a hard-labor prison. He shakes his head. Surely a swift death would be better.

"Then for once we agree," Javert concludes. "I'm going to spare you from a life in prison, Jean Valjean. It's a pity the rules don't allow me to be merciful."

The barrel of the gun now corkscrewing beneath his chin, Valjean waits for his death.

In a tone of tired resignation, Javert says, "I've tried to live my life without breaking a single rule." Then, without warning, Javert drops his gun and undoes Valjean's handcuffs. Javert shoves Valjean to the ground in frustration. He sneers, "You're free."

Unable to live a life where the law is weakened by mercy, Javert handcuffs himself and plunges backwards into the river. Valjean stands in disbelief as he watches his foe descend into the deep waters.

Valjean is finally free.

Elapsed time: Measured from the beginning of the opening credit, this begins at 2:05:40 and lasts approximately three-and-a-half minutes.

Content: Les Misérables is rated PG-13 for some violence and language.