Blog Post 6.

Papillon 

This film. A cinematic masterpiece.

I love Roger Ebert's humorous review so do give that a read!

Here's mine: 

A truly magnificent film that draws on a man's struggle to survive battling the cruelty of life, the setbacks, the drawbacks, the heartaches that force us to fall flat ready to throw in the towel.

This is a true story. A man that tastes the real bitterness of life, facing and fighting every obstacle that appears.

I don't think I've ever been more inspired. Papillon knows the real definition of bad luck. We have the unjust prison sentence, the worst conditions known to man, the

Corrupt unescapable system and here we have this man with an unstoppable will to survive. Somehow every problem we've ever encountered is laughable.Every difficulty: insignificant. I saw this film completely unaware of the plot and I think it's vital that you watch with a clear mind too. Prepare to be amazed every second is worth your attention, your empathy and your time. Reality can be so much more fascinating and powerful than fiction and this film really shows that. 

Other films that may be slightly lighter that trigger a new outlook include 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Survival movies always get you thinking and if you want some further viewing try out 'Alive', 'Cast Away' and 'Life of Pi'. One of them is bound to leave you on a high ;)

Steve McQueen plays the role of his life and he does an incredible job of it. Dustin Hoffman shows off his brilliant dramatic ability and Franklin J. Schaffner pulls off a flawless epic in true nature. But don't take my word for it...

Papillon