Midnight Express is a 1978 American drama film directed by Alan Parker.

Photo of the prison where the movie took place, photo Mike Mcbay

The movie is based on the book of the same name, written by Billy Hayes, and is about Billy Hayes's, played by Brad Davis, experience as a prisoner in 1970s Turkey. The movie is based on events that took place in 1976 and tells the story of when he became arrested and jailed in Turkey for trying to smuggle two kilos of hashish out of Turkey. Billy's sentence gets increased after he shouts at the judges, who then try to make an example out of him.
The film is all about the protagonist's imprisonment and the other inmates' treatment of him because he is American, and how he deals with his addiction by escaping into daydreams.

Midnight Express has been criticized for its portrayal of Turkish culture and the criminal justice system, as well as for its inaccurate portrayal of the events that took place in real life. However, it is still considered to be one of the most iconic movies about drug smuggling ever made thanks to its fast-paced storytelling and memorable characters.
The film is mainly set in Istanbul and features Turkish people including some Turks as supporting characters (except some scenes from New York).

It is in my opinion one of the best movies from 1970.
If you haven't seen it, download and see it now! You will not regret it.