“Escape from Alcatraz”, 1979
Director: Don Siegel
Based on a true story, this film follows Frank Morris, a cunning prisoner, who, along with two brothers, meticulously plans and executes an escape from the supposedly impenetrable Alcatraz prison. Their fate remains a mystery, adding to the legend of their escape.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Larry Hankin, Jack Thibeau, Fred Ward, Patrick McGoohan, Paul Benjamin, Roberts Blossom, Bruce M. Fischer, Frank Ronzio, Fred Stuthman;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Escape from Alcatraz” on the website imdb.com
“Papillon”, 2017
Director: Michael Noer
Starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, this film is based on the autobiography of French convict Henri Charrière, nicknamed “Papillon” because of his butterfly tattoo. It depicts his determination to escape from a penal colony in French Guiana, showcasing various attempts and the unbreakable spirit required to pursue freedom.
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, Roland Møller, Joel Basman, Yorick van Wageningen, Michael Socha, Christopher Fairbank, Eve Hewson, Tommy Flanagan, Nicholas Asbury;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, crime, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Chicken Run”, 2000
Director: Peter Lord, Nick Park
In a lighter take on the escape genre, this animated film follows a group of British farm chickens who seek freedom before they can be turned into chicken pies by the farm owners. With the help of a rooster named Rocky, they devise a plan to fly out of their coop.
Starring: Phil Daniels, Lynn Ferguson, Mel Gibson, Tony Haygarth, Jane Horrocks, Miranda Richardson, Julia Sawalha, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, Benjamin Whitrow;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: animation, drama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Chicken Run” on the website imdb.com
“The Great Escape”, 1963
Director: John Sturges
This classic war film is based on the true story of a mass escape from a German POW camp during World War II. An ensemble cast portrays prisoners who dig tunnels and devise plans to help 250 of their fellow inmates escape, highlighting themes of courage and camaraderie.
Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, Hannes Messemer, David McCallum, Gordon Jackson;
Production year: 1963;
Genre: action, war, drama, history;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 172 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “The Great Escape” on the website imdb.com
“Escape Plan”, 2013
Director: Mikael Håfström
This film combines the action and prison genres, starring Sylvester Stallone as a structural-security authority who is framed and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison. He teams up with fellow inmate, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to devise an elaborate escape.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Caviezel, Vinnie Jones, Sam Neill, Faran Tahir, Vincent D'Onofrio, Amy Ryan, 50 Cent, Caitríona Balfe;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“Argo”, 2012
Director: Ben Affleck
Although not a traditional escape film, “Argo” tells the true story of a covert operation to rescue six Americans during the Iran hostage crisis. Under the guise of filming a science fiction film, CIA operative Tony Mendez leads the escape from Tehran.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Argo” on the website imdb.com
“Room”, 2015
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Offering a psychological depth to the escape genre, this film tells the harrowing story of a young woman and her son held captive in a small room for years. It explores their escape and the emotional ramifications of adjusting to a wider world after long-term confinement.
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, Tom McCamus, William H. Macy, Cas Anvar, Randal Edwards, Amanda Brugel, Joe Pingue;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“Midnight Express”, 1978
Director: Alan Parker
Based on the true story of Billy Hayes, an American college student who is caught smuggling drugs out of Turkey and thrown into prison. The film details his brutal experiences in the Turkish penal system and his desperate attempt at escape.
Starring: Brad Davis, John Hurt, Randy Quaid, Bo Hopkins, Irene Miracle, Paolo Bonacelli, Michael Ensign, Mike Kellin, Paul L. Smith, Peter Jeffrey;
Production year: 1978;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Midnight Express” on the website imdb.com
Escape films are celebrated for their ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, rooting for protagonists as they navigate their way to freedom, often at great peril. Through these stories, viewers are invited to explore what it means to be truly free, both physically and spiritually.
In conclusion, films about escape span a vast array of genres, from wistfully romantic to chillingly suspenseful. They challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths, embrace the unpredictable, and often generate profound empathy for characters who have no choice but to break free of their physical or metaphorical shackles. These films, in their myriad forms, are a testament to the indomitable human spirit that longs for freedom and demonstrate the lengths people will go to attain it. Whether these escape films journey to the world's end or into the labyrinth of the human heart, they undoubtedly leave audiences with everlasting impressions and reflections about freedom, resilience, and the human capacity for hope.
