Cool Hand Luke

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. (21/12/2023)

"A film that is only a small step away from perfection. Paul Newman portrayed this role incredibly naturally, mainly through minimalist acting. The overall plot is brilliantly structured, with a depressive progression that ultimately leads to what was inevitable. And yet, at the end, I didn't have the feeling that everything turned out completely wrong. For that, the excellent George Kennedy could also be credited." (16/06/2015)

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. (26/12/2005)

For nearly thirty years before Shawshank, film prisoners had hope. And Luke never took it away from them. Despite the calm pace, the story of invincibility, desire, and the familiar urge to do something captivated everyone. Besides, Newman's smile got to me so much that I would go to a similar facility to be locked up with this gang right away if I could. Just to experience that almost animalistic mixture of emotions. I can eat fifty eggs. (22/08/2007)

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%. (21/01/2009)