Universal has released the official synposis for the new feature adaptation of Les Miserables, with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Eddie Redmayne confirmed to star.  Here's the thrust of it:

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption--a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

You'll notice no actor in parentheses next to "Cosette."  Amanda Seyfried reportedly signed a deal to play Cosette earlier this week, but it has not officially been announced yet.  Likewise, Sacha Baron Cohen is rumored for the role of Monsieur Thenardier, but he is not listed among the official cast.  Directed by Tom Hooper, Les Miserables is scheduled for release on December 7, 2012.  Read the full synopsis after the break.

Release date: December 7, 2012

Genre: Musical epic

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne

Directed by: Tom Hooper

Adapted from: Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's stage musical Les Misérables, produced by Cameron Mackintosh

Based on the Novel by: Victor Hugo

Screenplay by: William Nicholson, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg

Music by: Claude-Michel Schönberg

Lyrics by: Herbert Kretzmer

Produced By: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward, Cameron Mackintosh

Executive Producer: Liza Chasin

Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King's Speech's Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne, with further casting to be announced.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption--a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In December 2012, the world's longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper's sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo's epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs--including "I Dreamed a Dream," "Bring Him Home," "One Day More" and "On My Own"--Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.

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