O Presidiário

An extraordinarily impressive drama about the cost of human freedom and dignity, set in the prison environment of the United States in the 1960s. Those mirrored glasses on the guard's eyes will stay in my memory for a long time. One of Paul Newman's pivotal roles. Overall impression: 90%. (20/01/2009)

For nearly thirty years before The Shawshank Redemption, film prisoners had hope – and Luke never let that flame die on them. Despite the calm pacing, this story of invincibility, desire, and the familiar urge to do something captivated everyone. Besides, Paul Newman's smile got to me so much that I would go to a similar facility and get locked up with this gang right away if I could. Just to experience that almost animalistic mixture of emotions. I can eat fifty eggs. (21/08/2007)

Cool Hand Luke is one of the most perfect prototypes of indomitable human spirit ever depicted on the movie screen. While it can't be denied that its formal pace, which was relaxed and clearly reflected the protagonist's state of mind thirty years ago, is now somewhat stretched, that can easily be overlooked when we focus on the absolutely fantastic performance by Paul Newman in the lead role. In his career-defining performance, he delivers charming smiles and mischievous glances with his bright blue eyes, making even the most hardened cynic crack a smile. With the skilled support of George Kennedy in his Oscar-winning role and the entire cast of inmates and prison guards, they created the most endearing gang of criminals. Cool Hand Luke becomes the ultimate cool experience that is simply irresistible when you're in the right mood for it. It’s interesting to note that the word "fuck" is not mentioned even once. (25/12/2005)

The jailbreak is certainly one of the most widely used themes in Hollywood, it could almost be called a safe bet. Cool Hand Luke, however, beats its great competition without any trouble and clearly deserves its status of an undying legend. Of course, the main credit goes to the phenomenal Paul Newman, who doesn't even have to act – he’s that cool – the other actors could run around and dance on the set completely naked and nobody would even notice thanks to that foxy smile and bright blue eyes. Moreover, behind the camera, director Rosenberg orchestrates his life's work of longing for freedom, friendship, endurance and cruelty with such confidence that I'm beginning to suspect who Frank Darabont had as his filmmaking model. It can’t compete with Shawshank Redemption, but it’s still AWESOME. (02/06/2012)

A heavy-handedly narrated prison drama with solid atmosphere, Paul Newman's mesmerizing face and a specific feel-good vibe. Good as a precursor to The Shawshank Redemption, but hand on heart, Darabont's opus tells the story of get busy livin' or get busy dyin' more comprehensively and on a whole other level. (20/12/2023)