Expect a thoughtful film with heart, plot, character.

Rating: 9/10 (2 December 1999)

Those who have read that this is the same director as "Shawshank Redemption" would expect another film with heart, plot and character. Those expectations are met (and read no further if you don't want to know a few details about the themes), but I also think this film stands on its own as different, perhaps more philosophical - more about purpose than freedom. Themes of kindness versus cruelty reminded me of Sling Blade (also another central, misunderstood character), but with important differences, like the narrative frame at the beginning/end (the only slightly weak acting) that reminds us of how we have a limited amount of time to make a difference. Despite some brutal scenes, a film of great hope and beauty that the whole planet should see.