Papillon

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Audience Member Though I typically like both of the main actors this was one of the most unnecessary remakes I've ever seen. The 1973 original is a classic, beautifully filmed and acted. This version added nothing new and took away the majority of what that made the first one compelling. It's a great story that should not have been redone. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/25 Full Review Aleksandar D The 2017 remake of Papillon ambitiously revisits the legendary true story of Henri Charrière’s escape from the brutal penal colony of French Guiana. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the 1973 classic, it delivers a compelling, visually arresting survival tale anchored by two strong performances. Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of Charrière, bringing both physical intensity and emotional depth to the character. Rami Malek, as the wealthy and enigmatic Louis Dega, adds a quiet but powerful presence, making their unlikely friendship the heart of the film. Their chemistry is convincing, even when the film occasionally drags under its weighty runtime. The cinematography is striking, capturing the suffocating heat, filth, and cruelty of the penal system with unflinching realism. The escape sequences are gripping, and the film does well in maintaining the core themes of resilience and freedom. However, compared to the original, it sometimes lacks the raw emotional impact and pacing feels inconsistent. Papillon is a respectable retelling, offering solid performances and impressive visuals, but it doesn’t fully justify its existence alongside the classic. Gritty, well-acted, but not quite essential. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review Jack M Brokeback Mountain on a prison island. Rami Malek is ok, unlike the Channing Tatum-wannabe. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 12/05/24 Full Review Jim P Papillon the book (and the follow up Banco) are two of my fave ever books. The original movie from 1973 is a 5star classic! But this version..? Meh... Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/30/24 Full Review Kathryn V As far remakes it is one of the better ones I've seen when it comes to movies. Wasted too much screen time in the beginning with the girlfriend and all that. Still nothing like the one with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffmann. This actor kind of resembles Steve McQueen., don't know who he is really. Rami Malek, I know who.he is, liked his portrayal as Louie. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Dani G Intresting story. At times one starts doubting if he was ever gonna escape. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/28/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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