Papillon

Papillon is based on the Frenchman Henri Charriere's experiences as a prisoner on the notorious French prison island Devil's Island, which lies in Central America. The film begins in France, where Henri Charriere, known as Papillon (butterfly), is sentenced to serve his time on Devil's Island. Papillon claims he is innocent, which several of his fellow passengers, by contrast, are not. Among them is the counterfeiter Louis Dega, who has so much money up his backside, in the most literal sense, that he will surely be able to buy his freedom. That also makes him a sought-after victim. Papillon offers Degas his protection, provided Degas in return is willing to help him too.

Even though Papillon, with the help of Degas's money, could have a tolerable life as an inmate, he never gives up the dream of freedom. The film follows one escape attempt after another, which is exciting at first but becomes just a bit too monotonous and painful in the end. Papillon is at any rate half an hour too long. On the other hand, I would have liked to see a little of the backstory, Papillon and Degas in their usual surroundings, for it is rather hard to identify with people you do not really know anything about.