"The Confrontation" is a dramatic duet featured in the 2012 film adaptation of the renowned musical, Les Misérables. This intense musical number showcases a pivotal moment where Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) and Javert (Russell Crowe) engage in a powerful exchange, with Valjean pleading for mercy for Fantine while Javert insists on his arrest. The song captures the essence of the characters' long-standing conflict and is a highlight of the film's soundtrack.
Lyrics[]
Javert:
Valjean, at last
We see each other plain
Monsieur le Maire
You'll wear a different chain!
Valjean:
Before you say another word, Javert
Before you chain me up like a slave again
Listen to me! There is something I must do
This woman leaves behind a suffering child
There is none but me who can intercede
In Mercy's name, three days are all I need
Then I'll return, I pledge my word
Then I'll return
Javert:
You must think me mad!
I've hunted you across the years
Men like you can never change
A man such as you
Men like you can never change
Valjean:
Believe of me what you will
Javert:
Men like me can never change
Valjean:
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
Javert:
No
Valjean:
You know nothing of my life
Javert:
24601
Valjean:
All I did was steal some bread
Javert:
My duty's to the law, you have no rights
Valjean:
You know nothing of the world
Javert:
Come with me 24601
Valjean:
You would sooner see me dead
Javert:
Now the wheel has turned around
Valjean:
But not before I see this justice done
Javert:
Jean Valjean means nothing now
Valjean:
I am warning you Javert
Javert:
Dare you talk to me of crime
Valjean:
I'm a stronger man by far
Javert:
And the price you had to pay
Every man is born in sin
Valjean:
There is power in me yet
Javert:
My race is not yet run
Javert:
Every man must choose his way
You know nothing of Javert
I was born inside a jail
I was born with scum like you
I am from the gutter too!
France • Paris • Montfermeil • Digne • Montreuil-sur-Mer • Convent of the Petit-Picpus • Rue Plumet • Café Musain • Barricade of the Rue de la Chanvrerie • Sewers of Paris
Songs
Look Down • The Bishop • Valjean's Soliloquy • At the End of the Day • I Dreamed a Dream • The Confrontation • Castle on a Cloud • Master of the House • The Bargain • Suddenly • The Convent • Stars • Paris • The Robbery/Javert's Intervention • In My Life • A Heart Full of Love • The Attack on the Rue Plumet • One Day More • On My Own • The Letter • The Night Of Anguish • The First Attack • Drink with Me • Bring Him Home • The Final Battle • The Sewers • Javert's Suicide • Turning • Empty Chairs at Empty Tables • Valjean's Confession • Do You Hear the People Sing? • Epilogue
