Papillon

2017’s Papillon is an intensely gripping drama and adventure movie directed by Danish filmmaker Michael Noer. It's a remake of the 1973 film by the same name and based on the international best-selling semi-autobiographical novels "Papillon" and "Banco" by Henri Charrière. Scripted by Aaron Guzikowski, with the captivating on-screen presence of Charlie Hunnam, Damijan Oklopdzic, and Christopher Fairbank, "Papillon" paints a nerve-wracking yet inspiring tale of resilience, grit, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit's struggle against atrocious circumstances.

Charlie Hunnam, known for his roles in "Sons of Anarchy" and "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword," delivers an appreciable performance as Henri 'Papillon' Charrière, the protagonist of the story. Damijan Oklopdzic, an acclaimed actor in the European cinema, and Christopher Fairbank, a British screen legend, contribute stunningly to the intense and immersive atmosphere of the film. Their skillful performances help build the gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats over the entirety of the movie.

The plot of Papillon revolves around the life of a Parisian safecracker, Henri 'Papillon' Charrière (Charlie Hunnam), who is unfairly imprisoned for a murder he didn’t commit. In a harsh environment where survival is a daily struggle, Papillon quickly realizes the need for allies and forms an unlikely friendship with a quirky yet resourceful counterfeiter, Louis Dega (Rami Malek). Bound by their mutual need for survival, they device audacious plans to escape their brutal incarceration.

The film is set in the 1930s in an unbearable prison located on the isolated Devil’s Island, off the coast of French Guiana. Blended perfectly in this harsh setting, are vivid tales of humanity, support, and trust amid dire obstacles, underpinned by the yearning for freedom, redemption, and to regain the lost honor.

The film’s crafting of the ground reality faced by the prisoners is noteworthy. Yes, it's brutal and often difficult to watch, but it has been justified effectively with the narrative. Additionally, Noer doesn't hold back in portraying the living conditions within the prison. There's no sugar-coating the deplorable conditions. Instead, the audience is given an unfiltered look into the horrors faced by the inmates daily.

Papillon brilliantly portrays the primal instinct to survive and the lengths one can go to cling to life and liberty. The film neither romanticizes the concept of prison breaks nor downplays the grueling hardship that the characters endure. It paints a realistic picture of despair, hope, and defiance, thus evoking a wide range of emotions in the audience.

The storytelling is enhanced by the stunning cinematography by Hagen Bogdanski. His eye for detail is evident in the remarkable visuals that he produces on screen, giving another dimension to the plot and taking the viewers on a thrilling journey. The gritty camera work matches the intense moments, and the raw, eye-catching visuals deeply immerse the viewers into the story, making them experience the plight of the characters.

Moreover, the director Michael Noer manages to maintain the film's tension and gripping atmosphere throughout its long run-time. His ability to extract riveting performances from his cast and synchronize them with the mesmerizing visuals and haunting musical score successfully creates an engaging cinematic experience.

Charlie Hunnam's performance is one of the primary highlights. It’s his grit and determination that carries the film forward, the grim resilience reflected in his eyes acting as the emotional keystone to his characterization of Charrière. His portrayal of Papillon evokes sympathy, imbuing audiences with a strong connection to the narrative.

Equally worth mentioning is Rami Malek’s performance. He brings a nuanced charm and vulnerability to the character that complements Hunnam’s resolute intensity. The chemistry between the two actors genuinely fuels the movie, providing a beating heart to this intense tale of survival and hope.

In summary, Papillon (2017) is a vivid retelling of a time-tested survival story, underpinned with stellar performances and impressive filmmaking. It’s an emotionally tense, viscerally exciting, and visually captivating film that serves as a tribute to human endurance and the relentless pursuit of liberty. This engrossing cinematic offering is bound to appeal to those viewers who appreciate well-scripted drama, intense performances, and a strong narrative that keeps them hooked till the end.