Copperfox, yes that red hot poker scene was shockingly impressive. And although I haven't made it to the scene you mention between Marius and Thénardier yet, I have heard about it before.
As for me I was really surprised that in the book version Eponine faces her father and his vicious gang down at Valjean and Cosette's home on the Rue Plumet by sheer courage and will power rather than screaming (although she does threaten them with screaming). It was a moving testimony to her love and strength.