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Midnight Express (1978)

Plot Summary

On October 6, 1970 while boarding an international flight out of Istanbul Airport, American Billy Hayes (Brad Davis) is caught attempting to smuggle two kilos of hashish out of the country, the drugs strapped to his body. He is told that he will be released if he cooperates with the authorities in identifying the person who sold him the hashish. Billy's troubles really begin when after that assistance, he makes a run for it and is recaptured. He is initially sentenced to just over four years for possession, with no time for the more harsh crime of smuggling. The prison environment is inhospitable in every sense, with a sadistic prison guard named Hamidou (Paul L. Smith) ruling the prison, he who relishes the mental and physical torture he inflicts on the prisoners for whatever reason. Told to trust no one, Billy does befriend a few of the other inmates, namely fellow American Jimmy Booth (Randy Quaid) (in for stealing two candlesticks from a mosque), a Swede named Erich (Norbert Weisser), and one of the senior prisoners having already served seven years, an Englishman named Max (Sir John Hurt), the latter two also in for hashish-related charges. One prisoner not befriended is Rifki (Paolo Bonacelli), who wields power in the prison as the unofficial eyes and ears for the guards. As Billy, his family and his girlfriend Susan (Irene Miracle) attempt through legal and diplomatic channels for Billy's release, Max tells him that the only way out is to "catch the midnight express" (escape), which is what Jimmy is continually trying to do. When Billy's situation changes, he becomes more desperate in every sense of the word. It seems as if Billy has only two options: to let the prison ultimately figuratively then literally kill him, or to somehow regain control of his life through whatever means available.

Notice: This text may contain spoilers.

Release Date

Norway
No data
1978
France
(Cannes Film Festival)
1978-05-18
UK
No data
1978-08-10
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Also Known As (A.K.A.)

Midnight Express
(Original title)
Expreso de medianoche
Argentina
Midnight Express
Australia
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Certification

Argentina
No data
18
Australia
No data
R
Australia
(dvd)
R18+
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Sensitive content guide

Sex & Nudity
Moderate
Violence & Gore
Severe
Profanity
Severe
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Severe
Frightening & Intense Scenes
Severe

Awards

Academy Awards, USA (1979)
Nominated
Best Film Editing
Winner
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium
Winner
Best Music, Original Score
BAFTA Awards (1979)
Best Film
Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles
Best Film Editing
Golden Globes, USA (1979)
Best Motion Picture Acting Debut - Female
Best Motion Picture - Drama
Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Best Motion Picture Acting Debut - Male
Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Cannes Film Festival (1978)
Nominated
Palme d'Or
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