Watch Midnight Express

Midnight Express is a 1978 drama film directed by Alan Parker and starring Brad Davis, Irene Miracle, and Bo Hopkins. The movie tells the story of Billy Hayes (Davis), a young American who is arrested in Istanbul for attempting to smuggle hashish out of Turkey. Billy is initially sentenced to four years in a Turkish prison, but after a failed escape attempt, his sentence is increased to 30 years. The movie follows Billy's harrowing journey through the Turkish prison system, as he faces brutal treatment, violent inmates, and corrupt guards.

As Billy navigates the harsh realities of prison life, he befriends a handful of fellow inmates, including a British drug addict named Max (John Hurt) and a kindly Turkish prisoner named Rifki (Paolo Bonacelli). However, Billy's relationship with these men is complicated by the ever-present threat of violence and betrayal.

The film is known for its unflinching depiction of the brutality of the Turkish prison system, which includes scenes of torture, rape, and murder. It also explores the psychological toll that imprisonment takes on Billy, as he struggles to maintain his sanity and his hope for the future.

Midnight Express is based on the real-life experiences of Billy Hayes, who wrote a memoir of the same name about his time in Turkish prison. While the film takes some liberties with the story, it remains a powerful and disturbing portrayal of the horrors of incarceration.

The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations and winning two for Best Screenplay and Best Original Score. In addition to its accolades, the film also sparked controversy for its portrayal of Turkey and for its perceived anti-Muslim bias.

Overall, Midnight Express is a gripping and intense drama that offers a stark glimpse into the world of prison life. Its unflinching depiction of violence and trauma may be difficult for some viewers to watch, but it is ultimately a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film.

Midnight Express is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 59.