Papillon

THE GIST: Wrongfully convicted of murder, Frenchman Papillon is sent across the ocean to a penal colony in French Guiana. On the way, he meets Louis Dega, whose considerable wealth makes him a target in the eyes of every convict. Papillon offers him protection in exchange for money to escape.

Papillon, a remake of the original starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, is well paced and quite enthralling. The note at the beginning that mentions a basis in reality helps ground the audience's attention.

Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek are well cast in their respective roles, and wholly sell the deep friendship that slowly germinates between the two men.

Beautiful cinematography and an excellent set design that, according to the pictures of the real places shown along with the end credits, perfectly recreates the era and locations.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A good drama about the resilience of the human spirit. Very enjoyable.

Grade: 7.5