gridoon2018 This isn't one of those gung-ho, happy-go-lucky prison-escape Hollywwod pictures; it is long (almost 2 and 1/2 hours!), grim (even the humor is grim), and quite adult (there is a beheading, an impaling, female nudity, male homosexuality, verbal mention of masturbation - not things you normally see in a mainstream Hollywwod movie). It does go on longer than necessary, but it remains gripping most of the time; the solitary-confinement segment is particularly compelling. Director Franklin Schaffner is not just a solid storyteller, he has some visual ideas as well (the second hallucination offers the single most unforgettable image in the film, IMO). The film also features one of Steve McQueen's most difficult and demanding (physically and emotionally) roles - and he is excellent. *** out of 4.

Tanay Chaudhari Based on the infamous penal-system of French Guinea and the true- story of a man's determination to break-away despite severe odds and punishments.In close resemblance with that of "Kala-Paani" during the British Raj on India (with the exception of incarcerating freedom-fighters), "Papillon" (the Butterfly) exhibits in abundance the hardships where not just the body, but the very soul of the man is irreversibly broken.At the same time, it subtly celebrates the spirit of friendship and the "withered-but-alive willingness" to live-free through our principal characters - played by the formidable ‪#‎DustinHoffman‬ and Late ‪#‎SteveMcQueen‬ with rare finesse - and then by the culmination, what one takes away is that familiar feeling of a satiated longing.A visually-engaging prison drama!

LeonLouisRicci In the Early 1970's the Studio System was Competing with Independent Productions like Never Before for Box Office Receipts and, Believe it or Not, Respectability.This Prison Pic is Loaded with Big Money, Big Stars, Big Writers, and an overall Grand Design Underscored by an Award Winning Jerry Goldsmith.Steve McQueen was a "Movie Star" forever striving to be an "Actor". Dustin Hoffman was an "Actor" who was a "Movie Star". Both had Egos the Size of Their Paychecks and there was reported On-Set Strife at times.The Film, Directed by Franklin Schaffner, more of a "Work for Hire" Movie Maker than an "Auteur", used to Dealing with Large Productions and "Larger than Life" Stars. Professional, Competent, and Dependable, He delivers a Film that is so Beautiful that it actually Detracts from the Heart of the Story.Lush Scenery, Meticulous Sets, Good Makeup, and an Emotional Musical Score can't Elevate the Familiar Story of Man's Quest for Freedom. The Movie is Lengthy and Episodic to a Fault. It goes On and On, with Repetitive Scenes and Motifs, Interspersed with Awkward Splashes of Dream-Like Sequences. It Works Sometimes but Not All the Time.Overall, the Two Stars are Watchable, Awash in Makeup and Mannerisms, but the Film is Tedious, Too Long, and Over Produced. Worth a Watch but is Overrated and only Slightly Above Average considering the Money, Talent, and Time Spent.

Fella_shibby Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (Planet Of The Apes/Patton), Screenplay by Dalton Trumbo ( Roman Holiday, Exodus, Spartacus) n Lorenzo Semple Jr. ( Never Say Never Again). The characters were really created very strong especially Hoffmans. Coz It was not that gud in the book. It stars Steve McQueen n Dustin Hoffman. Both of em acted very well. Cinematography by Fred J. Koenekamp (oscar for The Towering Inferno). Awesome cinematography of the jungle, marshland, islands, seas n prisons. Jerry Goldsmith provides the score. Editing by Robert Swink (Roman Holiday, Funny Girl and The Boys from Brazil). Some of the scenes were a bit long but the overall movie was good. It is an inspiring story of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. There is no doubt that this movie is good, I could write a lot about some interesting scenes, but that would spoil your experience with this movie. This movie also gives a good lesson in strong character, friendship, and freedom. Good supporting cast. Really wanted Woodrow to escape with em. But that dude was busy disposing off the body. The character was very decent. He offers McQueen n Hoffman anti malaria drugs. Woodrow Parfrey (Dirty Harry, Outlaw josey Wales). Don Gordon (The towering inferno, Bullit, Lethal weapon).