‘Papillon’ review: Charlie Hunnam and Rami Malek pack in the emotion in remake of Steve McQueen-Dustin Hoffman classic
Based on the Henri Charriere’s 1969 bestseller and the 1973 film starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, ‘Papillon’ is one remake that Hollywood got right. The filmmakers and actors had a lot to live up to, and in doing so, brought additional layers to the original film that make this one even better.
The film begins following Henri “Papillon” Charriere (Charlie Hunnam), a thief with a zest for life in Paris in 1931. The first ten minutes of the film we see Papillon living his life to the fullest with his lover Nenette (Eve Hewson). The two have a glorious night in the town, drinking champagne, making love and truly living life on the edge. Sadly, the fun is over the following morning when Papillon is arrested and convicted of a murder he didn’t commit, being thrown into the corrupt French penal system.
