Midnight Express (1979)

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Cast: Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, Bo Hopkins
Time: 121 minutes

 

Based on Billy Hayes’ 1977 memoirs of the same name, Midnight Express tells the story of how Hayes was sent to a Turkish prison for trying to smuggle hashish out of the Asian country on his way back to the US from a trip with his girlfriend.

This film has been criticized by many for straying too far away from the source material to sensationalize the story. Considering Oliver Stone is the director, that is not much of a surprise. That is pretty much is MO.

 When considered as a strandalone movie, this is a great piece of entertainment. Compelling story, though it is hard not to find Hayes to be very stupid for even attempting such a thing. The acting is very solid. The whole thing feels quite realistic and makes you feel claustrophobic.

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