Chillihead1 Despite the many racist rants, I think some are missing the point, the location of the prison is irrelevant, the nationality of the guards matters little. The fact it is based on a true story which took place in Turkey dictates the setting, had it taken place in Asia, Morocco, etc etc the film would have been just as brilliant as it is. John Hurt is almost unrecognisable, ignore the political votes, watch it for its lingering and well directed depth. I love it.

Hitchcoc Having visited Istanbul and other Turkish cities, I have a different impression of the people of that country. Unfortunately, as I write, there is big trouble, with violence reigning. In this movie, a guy stupidly tries to smuggle drugs onto an airplane. He is captured and put in a Turkish prison. Did he have any doubt what would happen to him when he did this. I remember a "Sixty Minutes" feature on a couple twenty-something girls who were given free passage to Thailand. All they had to do was bring a package back. They will be in prison until they are thirty-five. Don't mess around in foreign countries. Americans don't always get their way. Of course, I am no expert on Turkish prisons, but the portrayal of the prisoners and the Turkish people is utterly racist. I thought the movie was exciting but it is overriden by trying to feel positively about this guy.

Rahman Karasu "Midnight Express" means the way of escape from a prison. Many Turkish people dislike this movie, except I. There is no doubt Turkey was shown barbaric; in this movie, Turkish people characterised as foolish and cruel. Actually both Alan Parker and Oliver Stone agreed that the movie criticised Turkish people unfairly. Anyway I can confirm that the movie is one of the best prison- themed movie I have ever seen. Especially Paolo Bonacelli acts terrific as "Rifki." His fluent Turkish inspired me a lot despite he holds Italian passport. Also the Turkish folk themes which were sang by Asik Reyhani who is the father of the Turkish lament content songs were extraordinary. If you like and seek a prison-themed drama, do not hesitate to watch this amazing film.

merttopel This one must be one of the biggest embarrassments in Hollywood movie industry and sure the biggest one in Mr.Stone's career. The movie seems to be made to please some specific group back in 70's, aiming to disrepute the Turkish but unfortunately, the outcome turns out to be a mirror on their own faces. The fate of nationalism is to make fool of ones's self.The comedy starts instantly. The entire "Turkish" characters in the movie seem to be leased from some cheap horror movie's set. This one is for Turkish speakers: Mr. Stone's "Turkish" characters all have a hilarious accent while trying to speak Turkish. Worth watching just to see this :))Everything is deliberately set up to make the guys look gross, but simply way too bad to be true. Actually it is hard to believe that you are watching a genuine Hollywood production. The script appears to be written to exhilarate the adolescent nationalist viewer only. I feel really sorry for Oliver Stone, otherwise such an important director.Do not waste your time with this one, if want you want to watch is a good movie. But worth watching to see the comedy, how one can ridicule himself trying to make some black propaganda.