1.  Hugh Jackman can sing. So can Anne Hathaway. Who knew?

Life lesson: don’t make assumptions based on what you know – there’s always more that you don’t know.

2.  Russell Crowe is a good actor – a fair singer – but that doesn’t mean he was right for the role of Inspector Javert.

Life lesson: some skills and talents are transferable, some are not – but the ultimate decision lies with the person who hires you.

3.  Jean Valjean – man of compassion turns thief; convict becomes escaped parolee; man embittered by the injustices of society becomes successful factory owner, town mayor and man of compassion.

Life lesson: if you give people a chance, they will surprise you. People live up to – or down to – your expectations of them.

4.  Sometimes a man of God practices what he preaches: Love God first and most, and love other people too.

Life lesson: the Bishop allows and encourages Jean’s theft, but charges him: make sure you use the proceeds to do good. See point 3, above.

5.  The Innkeeper and his wife – to whom Fantine entrusts the care of her daughter Cosette.

Life lesson: people are not always what they appear to be; and, we choose what we believe to be true.

6.  Inspector Javert and what happens to him

Life lesson: you can choose between justice (the law) and mercy (forgiveness and grace). If you choose the former, and are shown mercy by the person on whom you are trying to enact the law, then what do you do?

7.  Cosette and Marius

Life lesson: if a relationship is right, God will use people and circumstances to make it happen

8.  The wrap-up and how everyone’s life ends

Life lesson: good and evil; truth and lies; the law and grace – they affect every one of us.

But love triumphs over all.