Papillon 4K 1973

When a movie buff, or any reasonably knowledgeable viewer, is asked to name the best film about man's quest for freedom, friendship, and the power of the human spirit, the overwhelming majority (approximately 99.5%) will name The Shawshank Redemption. This film occupies the top spot in countless film ratings and film portals. But is everything as clear-cut as it seems?

In my opinion, no. The final verdict can only be made after watching Franklin J. Schaffner's film The Moth.

The film was released more than 20 years before The Shawshank Redemption, but it has not lost any of its inner power.

The film features acting that is many times stronger than in The Shawshank Redemption. The duo of McQueen and Hoffman completely outshines Robbins and Freeman. Hoffman is simply brilliant!

The film is imbued with love for people. Love for the most precious thing a person has: freedom! Freedom, which sometimes costs a life.

The film is about true friendship, which helps you survive in captivity and not lose your humanity.

Before and after Papillon, I never heard the name Schaffner again, but believe me: this man carved his name forever on the wall of world cinema by shooting one of the best humanistic films in its entire history.