Review of Midnight Express (1978) by Byron B — 12 Nov 2008

Not as explosively effecting as a lot of critics have made it out to be, but a well dramatized portrayal of one man's escape from a prison in Turkey. The real flaw here is the lack of intimacy with the main character, although the acting is fantastic it doesn't feel like director Alan Parker lets us get close enough to this man to really feel his pain.

Unlike an easily comparative piece like the Shawshank Redemption, this film does make you aware you are just watching a film, and doesn't force you into it's world like Darabont's film does.

But really my criticism only comes from high expectations, this is a really well done film and well worth a look.