Les Misérables is a 1998 film adaptation of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name, directed by Bille August. It stars Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and Claire Danes. As in the original novel, the storyline follows the adult life of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict (paroled following 19 years of hard labor, for stealing bread) pursued by police Inspector Javert. It was filmed at Barrandov Studios in Prague.