Papillon poster
Review

Papillon 1973

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner · 151 mins · 1,533 views

4.0 Letterboxd 4.02(68,668)
Ratings { T K M F L W M I D

Synopsis

A man befriends a fellow criminal as the two of them begin serving their sentence on a dreadful prison island, which inspires the man to plot his escape.

Trailers

Reviews (58)

  1. {
    {Todd} 8 月 22, 2026

    “I wish you hadn’t come here” -Louis Dega, I don’t get Steve McQueen, I wish I did. For me this film is one of those films that I have heard about a bunch and was looking forward to it and then I watched it finally and yeah it’s pretty good. The performances are all pretty good, the story is fairly interesting and pretty good, the cinematography is pretty at times and pretty good. There is just absolutely nothing about it I love and I’ll likely forget most of it by tomorrow. Not really for me but recommended to people into themes of punishment and determination.

    97
  2. T
    theriverjordan 8 月 22, 2026

    In “Papillon,” existence itself becomes an act of rebellion upon the confines man has made for himself on earth. Director Franklin J. Schaffner’s film about two men serving sentences on the French Guinea penal colony of “Devil’s Island,” was penned by Dalton Trumbo — a man who knew something of suffering penance for injustice. “Papillon” is rife with a spirit of resilience. Trumbo had come out on the other side of the Hollywood blacklist era, and star Steve McQueen – pretty boy that he was – still was sure to always insert a contract rider that sent classroom supplies back to California reform school where he grew up. These were men that were bent again and again by society —…

    402 30
  3. K
    Kenneth Clark 8 月 22, 2026

    This is the flipside to the same prison movie coin that Shawshank is on. Where Shawshank highlights how one can find meaning in their time served, and even strive for a future when free, Papillon exemplifies how confinement can utterly rob an individual of oneself and any sense of meaning inside one’s sentence. It is simultaneously inspiring and crushing.

    140
  4. M
    mary 8 月 22, 2026

    the squinting, ever-watchful gaze of steve mcqueen, coupled with one of dustin hoffman’s early showcase performances as a shambling accomplice, has turned “papillon” into a hit and an enduring classic. the maybe-true story of transported french murderer henri charriere is a rousing drama of endurance, opportunism and friendship under fire.

    120
  5. F
    Felipe F. 8 月 22, 2026

    The Great Escape 2 (or how Steve McQueen just keeps getting put in solitary confinement)

    103
  6. L
    Lara Pop 8 月 22, 2026

    The art of the one-line review isn’t writing one line but breaking down the words into five lines to honor Steve McQueen and his five steps of endurance he made day by day in his solitary cell, so I’ll do just that: ‘hey you bastards I’m still here’ I know it’s six lines. But Papillon never lived by the rules, did he? He looked for freedom in his every waking moment. For him, freedom stood above everything. Nothing could stop him from achieving it, not even several years in solitary, not even the possibility of death as he glided from the cliff like a papillon. No. Because for him, freedom WAS everything. Thank you, Steve McQueen, for your transcendent performance. I’ll never forget it.

    341 10
  7. W
    Wesley Stenzel 8 月 22, 2026

    Grand cinematography, a magnificent score, and a stellar lead performance from Steve McQueen make Papillon an epic film about perseverance and overcoming injustice. The screenplay is also excellent, but this movie is at its best when its story plays out in silence. It’s very straightforward, but excellently executed. Absolutely worth a watch if you like prison breaks or period adventures.

    86
  8. M
    madison 8 月 22, 2026

    girl who cant help but go awwww whenever dustin hoffman is on screen in his little glasses. steve was really acting his ass off here holy shit

    116
  9. I
    Ian West 8 月 22, 2026

    Survival of the unbreakable friendship.

    163
  10. D
    DirkH 8 月 22, 2026

    Confession 1: This was the first time I watched it. Confession 2: I’m too stunned by it to say anything coherent other than that it is a powerhouse in each single aspect of filmmaking. Boy, did I love this one!

    265 16
  11. K
    Kruger 8 月 22, 2026

    A tanned pimp killer. A four-eyed forger with a hidden stash of cash. The girl in a sailor’s uniform. The head-spinning guillotine. Getting intimate with a croc. Bat bite. Bounty Hunter’s love affair gone cold. A leper in need of some L’Oréal. The Island of Magnificent Boobs. Pearl… necklace? A double-crossing nun. Shark fight. Welcome to Devil’s Island. Old-age reunion. Freddie the pig. The final hug. Who knew butterflies couldn’t fly? The moment when you realise he’s down and you’re up—and that’s okay. A true story of an unlikely friendship.

    72 8
  12. M
    Mr. DuLac 8 月 22, 2026

    A temptation resisted is a true measure of character. -Dega The 1970 memoirs of Henri Charrière (aka: Papillon) has come under a lot of scrutiny over the years and it’s commonly believed that most of the stories presented in the book are in fact about other prisoners rather then Charrière himself. While it brings into question if Papillon is based on fiction or fact, it doesn’t diminish it as an incredibly compelling film. Steve McQueen leaves his coolest guy on the planet movie star persona at the door while giving possibly the greatest performance of his career as Henri “Papillon” Charrière. The mentally and physically demanding role showcases McQueen as an actual actor with talent, for a man that once…

    141 3
  13. L
    LeoPaulC 8 月 20, 2026

    Force à moi c’était bien long j’ai compté les secondes Les 45 premières minutes il se passe rien Après ça va un peu Après ça part trop en couille genre le mec se prend des fléchettes tranquilisantes et après il se réveille et une femme random lui fait son makeup sur la plage ?? Et après ils sont à poil dans l’eau et elle le lave ?? Je deviens fou j’ai absolument rien capté à ces 15 ou 20 minutes…

    2
  14. N
    Nicolaa.A 8 月 20, 2026

    ¿Hasta que extremos puede llegar la perseverancia de un hombre para conseguir su objetivo? Papillon me ha parecido una muy buena película, bien dirigida y bien actuada. El único problema, es que flaquea en los dos últimos actos, siendo la secuencia con los nativos una gran carga para el film.

  15. J
    Julianna Guth 8 月 19, 2026

    Szükségem van erre a könyvre

  16. N
    nickboss01 8 月 19, 2026

    Chuddy degas

  17. C
    Cydou 8 月 19, 2026

    énorme trauma surtout le crabe

  18. G
    Giuseppe 8 月 19, 2026

    Il grande problema di questo film è tutta la parte tra la fuga e l’isola del diavolo. Succedono troppe cose strane, non legate tra loro, troppo velocemente. La prima parte del film era ottima. Le scene oniriche molto belle, ricordavano un po’ Fellini ed un po’ Jodorowsky. Il finale non è a quel livello ma è comunque buono. Ma la parte centrale proprio no. Interpretazioni di livello ma non eccezionali.

  19. T
    thefisherwoman 8 月 19, 2026

    One of the all time great prison escape movies- and unlike many of them which are comedic or action packed capers, this is a dark and long story of how bodies and souls waste away in cruel conditions. This is Steve McQueen’s best performance IMO. His character Papillon and his unlikely friendship with Louis Dega played by Dustin Hoffman is a total juxtaposition in character, nature, and two acting styles. It’s one of the great buddy stories out on film. Beautifully shot, sparse in dialogue but long in effect.

  20. P
    pcpc04 8 月 18, 2026

    The closest two boomer men will ever be seen For me, perfect movie

  21. D
    Dr3wski 8 月 18, 2026

    “Hey you bastard I’m still here”

  22. Y
    yahiachih 8 月 18, 2026

    Never found inside or outside

  23. E
    eskilsundar 8 月 18, 2026

    Probably my favourite french guiana flick Quite a beautiful movie. First half of the movie (esp prison scenes) were really good, but then it went a bit rogue/random/weird. Felt like there were so many times when the movie «was supposed to end». All in all it was raw, fun and entertaining with epic double-header performances from mcqueen and hoffman. Would recommend.

    2
  24. K
    Klyyyde 8 月 18, 2026

    Excellent film de Franklin J. Schaffner. Une véritable aventure humaine autour de la survie, de la liberté et surtout de la volonté de ne jamais abandonner, même dans les conditions les plus extrêmes. Le film prend son temps, mais c’est justement ce qui permet de s’attacher aux personnages et de ressentir pleinement leur parcours. Steve McQueen et Dustin Hoffman sont excellents et portent parfaitement cette histoire de prison et d’évasion. Franchement à voir…

  25. M
    MrMacc 8 月 18, 2026

    Yes you should watch this movie. Yes I am talking to you. *squints*

  26. H
    Harrick 8 月 18, 2026

    Steve McQueen was so goated in this film

  27. S
    sarallcn 8 月 18, 2026

    Film inspiré de faits réels, histoire touchante mais il ne vieillit pas très bien …

  28. D
    DarkPrecursor 8 月 18, 2026

    Darkness does wonders for a bad memory.

    2
  29. Y
    Yetcha 8 月 17, 2026

    Allez, il faut bien le regarder ce remake concernant l’histoire plus ou moins romancée (par l’auteur lui-même) de Papillon. Mais je reste sur ma faim et suis tenté de rester fidèle à la version Steve McQueen et Dustin Hoffmann car ici les acteurs sont bien moins charismatiques et la réalisation paresseuse. On s’ennuie et c’est bien tout!

  30. M
    mortenleerhoey 8 月 17, 2026

    Virkelig en meh film. Slutningen er aaaalt for lang og trættende og du når ikke rigtig at kende nogle af karaktererne

  31. N
    Napaulieon 8 月 17, 2026

    thought the ending was going to be like a dream

  32. D
    Diaz 8 月 17, 2026

    Kelimeler yetmez aga efsane birsey

  33. A
    Alex Mitrakov 8 月 17, 2026

    Hey, bastards, I’m still here Триумф человеческого духа Маккуин сыграл как боженька, Хоффман тоже очень хорош

    1
  34. A
    Adelar Penteado 8 月 17, 2026

    Clássico anos 70 imprescindível.. Apesar de ser um pouco longo além do necessário, e arrastado em alguns momentos, prende bem a atenção e te faz realmente se importar com os protagonistas.. Um filme que é uma amostra humana absurda de força e resiliência.. Aquele típico longa com camadas, que fica na mente e serve como reflexão de vida..

  35. N
    NicolasRossi 8 月 17, 2026

    The power of friendship even through lunacy. Powerful stuff really.

  36. W
    wut_wah 8 月 17, 2026

    how does steve mcqueen manage to have the most lifeless eyes imaginable

  37. J
    jerrywangg 8 月 17, 2026

    4.1/5 ⭐️ Another Steve McQueen, great acting Quite emotionally deep but the last half hour coulda been shortened

  38. A
    anaiah !! 8 月 17, 2026

    okay this is definitely the best movie ive watched this year (like new watch not rewatch). the set work was really really good and yes i did almost cry when degas and papillon hugged on the cliff (if my dad wasn’t there i wouldve done it) also a movie that captures your attention for its entire runtime- i was not bored or dozing at any point. also people HAVE to write for them right like omggg im looking ts up rn

  39. C
    Charlie 8 月 16, 2026

    I’ve watched 4 hour long movies that felt shorter than this

  40. T
    Thallys Neutron 8 月 16, 2026

    “Someone once said that temptation resisted is the true measure of character.”

  41. N
    Nickan 8 月 16, 2026

    Papillon is one of those movies your dad tells you to watch when you’re older, every day from the age of six. I really wanted to watch this because he said it was the only 10/10 film, and I believed him because he put me onto some ’80s–’90s Al Pacino and De Niro films when I was around 12. Was this a 10/10? No, not even close. I could see how some people would see this film as a masterpiece,…

  42. Y
    yrlilcore 8 月 16, 2026

    PLOT: acts of brutality, temptation, resistance, desperation, loyalty REVIEW: my sister and i watched this on tv in our youth in london, u.k. we started it late at night with no knowledge of its difficult subject matter, nor its excessive runtime, which took us through to the early hours of morning. though i suppose the term ‘excessive’ is a misnomer; yes, this film is infinitely long but not excessive. i (still) rightly feel every painful protracted moment, from which there is no…

    12 2
  43. J
    Jane 8 月 16, 2026

    dustin hoffman really was the [insert chronically employed modern actor’s name here] of his time, this man wasn’t letting anyone else get a word in.

    2
  44. S
    Sanchísimo 8 月 15, 2026

    Ahhhhhh the indomitable human spirit He acabado el libro después de unos meses y estaba convencido de que era absolutamente imposible que la adaptación al cine fuera a funcionar, la trama es demasiado larga y llena de detalles. Y si bien han quitado partes del libro muy épicas y han cambiado el orden de algunas fugas, creo que es un trabajo increíble y capta muy bien la esencia de la historia Hay una parte del libro que profundiza mucho en…

  45. S
    Siri 📸 8 月 15, 2026

    “Yours is the most terrible crime a human being can commit… I accuse you of a wasted life.”

    2
  46. A
    alex 8 月 15, 2026

    kinda funny that he kept giving people money for freedom and getting scammed instead, surely youd learn your lesson eventually. some incredible sequences in this; the solitary confinement part was particularly harrowing

  47. A
    Agreviews 👻 8 月 15, 2026

    Papillon adalah film penjara klasik dengan kisah perjuangan yang kuat tentang kebebasan, persahabatan, dan ketahanan mental. Steve McQueen tampil solid sebagai Papillon, sementara Dustin Hoffman memberikan warna berbeda lewat karakter Dega. Namun, durasinya yang panjang dan alurnya yang cukup lambat membuat film ini terasa melelahkan di beberapa bagian. Meski begitu, adegan pelarian dan perjuangan Papillon tetap meninggalkan kesan yang kuat.

    1
  48. S
    Smoob87 8 月 15, 2026

    Yeah movie is actual human poo. Type of movie so bad you feel disgusted thinking about it. Probably the hardest movie I have had to get through, along side The Creator. There is absolutely no good in this film. It is either terrible or at very best mediocre. The cinematography, sound, lighting, characters, acting, pacing, literally everything is so unwatchable. It tries SO hard at being meaningful and deep and fails miserably. The best parts of this were the ad…

    1
  49. C
    CarolAssis03 8 月 15, 2026

    muito bom 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  50. I
    israellira 8 月 15, 2026

    Ser o último a desistir de acreditar na liberdade de uma prisão injusta, e conseguir conquistar essa tão sonhada liberdade da maneira mais improvável possível, é a coisa mais épica que pode acontecer! O cara não desiste.

  51. K
    knifeonmars 8 月 14, 2026

    Wish I had liked it more than I did. I should be all about this movie; alternating being extended sequences of austere imprisonment cracking the protagonist’s sanity and thrumming escapes, with some wonderful wide shots, vivid colours, and what feels like a pretty clear subtextual gay romance. Unfortunately I just couldn’t focus and didn’t really buy either McQueen or Hoffman in their roles, especially in their all-but-demented finale.

  52. E
    Ethan Ewell 8 月 14, 2026

    If you’re ever feeling like life isn’t going your way, watch a movie as good as this one to remind you that it could be much worse 😭. This movie is so fire

  53. D
    Dawn 8 月 14, 2026

    Having seen the new version of this film a few years back, I knew the story well. But this film really was the beginning. It was beautifully filmed, with lots of long angles, picturesque areas. Great acting, great actors. A classic, true story to film.

  54. ‮

    خمس نجوم من كل گلبي

  55. M
    ManoloRP 8 月 9, 2026

    Papillón. Prime Vídeo. Todo un clásico con un magistral Steve MacQueen. Disfrutada con Alberto en Zahara

  56. K
    Keenan Edwards 8 月 9, 2026

    McQueen and Hoffman are so damn good in this it actually manages to be entertaining. Gotta respect the scale of this thing, too.

  57. B
    Bill James 8 月 7, 2026

    Hadn’t seen this film for 40+ years, but bowled over by the intensity of the story and the performances. Has Steve McQueen ever been better ?

  58. M
    mari jinchara 8 月 16, 2015

    childhood trauma

Write a Review

My rating

S Steve McQueen Henri "Papillon" Charriere
D Dustin Hoffman Louis Dega
V Victor Jory Indian Chief
D Don Gordon Julot
A Anthony Zerbe Toussaint
R Robert Deman Maturette
W Woodrow Parfrey Clusiot
B Bill Mumy Lariot
G George Coulouris Dr. Chatal
R Ratna Assan Zoraima
W William Smithers Warden Barrot
V Val Avery Pascal
G Gregory Sierra Antonio
V Vic Tayback Sergeant
M Mills Watson Guard
R Ron Soble Santini
B Barbara Morrison Mother Superior
D Don Hanmer Butterfly Trader
E E.J. André Old Con
R Richard Angarola Commandant
Director Franklin J. Schaffner
Writer Dalton Trumbo, Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Producer Robert Dorfmann, Franklin J. Schaffner
Executive Producer Ted Richmond
Editor Robert Swink
Original Music Jerry Goldsmith
Sound Derek Ball, Gordon Daniel
Special Effects Alex Weldon
Stunts Loren Janes, Jophery C. Brown, Dar Robinson, Fred Lerner, Roy Scammell, Richard Farnsworth
Art Direction Jack Maxsted
Casting Jack Baur
Synopsis
A man befriends a fellow criminal as the two of them begin serving their sentence on a dreadful prison island, which inspires the man to plot his escape.
Director
Franklin J. Schaffner
Writer
Dalton Trumbo, Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Studio
Allied Artists Pictures, Solar Productions, Corona-General
Country
USA, France
Language
English, Spanish
Year
1973
Runtime
151 mins

View all genres »

  • USA16 Dec 1973
  • Australia01 Jan 1974
  • Brazil07 Jan 1974
  • Sweden28 Jan 1974
  • France05 Feb 1974
  • Italy21 Feb 1974
  • UK14 Mar 1974
  • Ireland24 May 1974
  • Netherlands20 Jun 1974
  • South Korea07 Sep 1974
  • Spain16 Oct 1974
  • Portugal02 May 1975
  • Germany05 Sep 1975
  • Norway16 Dec 1973
  • Netherlands01 Jan 2010
  • Netherlands24 Dec 2003