In France during World War II, a poor and illiterate man, Henri Fortin, is introduced to Victor Hugo’s classic novel Les Misérables and begins to see parallels between the book and his own life.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men’s lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.