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Reviews
Papillon (1973)
A Perspective On Papillon
Although Papillon is a great classic film with many admirable qualities (including McQueen, Hoffman, and some high-quality cinematography), I was disappointed in it for the following reasons: [1] In all likelihood, Papillon is a completely fictional story. [2] As a portrayal of the suffering of labor convicts, I think Papillon is unimpressive. (For far more brutal, dramatic, and realistic accounts of life in forced-labor camps, read the Nobel-prize-winning Gulag Archipelago (volumes 2-3), by Aleksandr Solzhenitisyn.) [3] The supposed realism of the film has many flaws. The lack of stool pigeons and trusties, and the apparent ease with which the prisoners bought, sold, and smuggled various items are a few examples. (Please reference The Gulag Archipelago vol. 3 and A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich for truly realistic portrayals, albeit in Soviet rather than French camps.)
Victory at Entebbe (1976)
Victory at Entebbe
While I substantially agree with the review by John Barnes, I also believe the film has one or two positive qualities which he neglected to mention. Yes, Mr. Barnes, Victory at Entebbe is a poor quality, third-rate, and hastily-prepared film. But it is NOT worthless.
It was a 1976 attempt to portray a 1976 historical event for a 1976 television audience. That alone lends it a certain historical authenticity. So many films with much higher budgets seem far less genuine simply because they attempt to portray historical events 20, 30, 40+ years after the fact.
Although I did read the book 90 Minutes at Entebbe a number of years ago, I cannot necessarily vouch for the film's complete historical accuracy. However--with the notable exception of the unruly hostages being shot by the commandos--the film appears to be an honest attempt to accurately portray the event.
Nevertheless, due to the film's poor quality, I recommend it only for those who either already have a special interest in the Entebbe raid, or would like to learn about the Entebbe raid. The film actually has more educational than entertainment value.