Filled with shocking details about life in one of the world’s most hellish environments, Charrière’s autobiographical novel became a global bestseller when it was first published in 1969 and remains a modern classic in the genre of prison literature.
On a ship bound for the remote South American prison, Papillon meets meek currency forger Louis Dega (Rami Malek), who was sentenced to life for producing counterfeit bonds. There, amid thousands of violent convicts awaiting their fate, the two men reach an agreement: Papillon will protect Dega and the stash of money he has hidden. In exchange, Dega will finance Papillon’s eventual escape plan. Upon arrival, the shackled prisoners are met by Warden Barrot (Yorick van Wageningen), who explains the prison’s draconian rules: solitary confinement for anyone who attempts to escape; the guillotine for murderers. As they struggle to survive the nightmarish conditions, which include tropical illness, savage beatings, forced labor and public beheadings, Papillon and Dega enlist the help of inmates Celier (Roland Møller) and Maturette (Joel Basman) to stage a daring escape during a torrential rainstorm. Despite their best efforts, the plan results in Papillon being sent to solitary confinement for five grueling years.
Based on the epic true story and international, best-selling books, “Papillon” and “Banco," “Papillon” is a thrilling adventure and a powerful portrait of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of utter inhumanity.
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