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.

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(screenplay), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »
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A prisoner detained on a remote island plots his escape. A remake of the 1973 film 'Papillon'.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Indian Chief
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Julot
...
Toussaint
Robert Deman ...
Maturette
...
Clusiot
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Lariot
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Dr. Chatal
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Zoraima
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Warden Barrot
...
Pascal
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Antonio
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Sergeant (as Victor Tayback)
...
Guard
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Storyline

Henri "Papillon" Charierre is sentenced to life in prison and transported to the penal in French Guyana. Aboard ship on the voyage over, he meets Louis Dega, a forger. They form a bond that will last them a great many years. The conditions at the penal colony are horrific and Papillon desperately wants to escape. His first attempt ends quickly in failure and as a result he spends 2 years in solitary confinement. His next attempt is somewhat more successful and he actually spends a idyllic time with a tribe of Central America Indians. Once caught however, he does 5 years in solitary confinement. Once released, he decides to make one final attempt at freedom. Written by garykmcd

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

The greatest adventure of escape ever filmed! See more »

Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

|

Language:

|

Release Date:

16 December 1973 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Leptir  »

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$53,267,000 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(magnetic prints)| (optical prints)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In May 2016, trade sources announced that Charlie Hunnam was being pursued to star in a remake. See more »

Goofs

Camera boom shadow is visible during the rain storm from around 42:00 as each person passes the camera. See more »

Quotes

Woman: [to Papillon as he is marched aboard ship bound for penal colony] Papillon! Papi! You'll be back, Papillon. Don't worry, you'll be back.
Julot: No, you won't.
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Connections

Featured in Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool (2005) See more »

Soundtracks

Ballet Music from Faust
(uncredited)
Music by Charles Gounod
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Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
May I never have to go to the pen
27 May 2000 | by (Broken Bow, Oklahoma) – See all my reviews

Terrifying film dealing with life in prison. Not just any prison, but one way off to itself with few fellow human beings around. I think this was McQueen's finest film ever, and perhaps Hoffman's also. I know it has had a lasting effect on me through the years; I have never forgotten the awesome loneliness the prisoners went through. Great picture, thumbs up.


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Prison tame compared to other movies CrescentRoses
McQueen deserved the Oscar ganggreen1960
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Great movie, but I call 'Bull *beep* le-fantome
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