Beautiful storytelling at its very best.

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 2003)

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest movies of all time. It doesn't have high budget effects, dramatic car chases or elaborate plots. However it is a fantastic story of the inmates at Shawshank Prison, more specifically Andy Dufrasne (Tim Robbins) and 'Red' (Morgan Freeman). The reason I believe this film is the greatest is down to its ability to deliver a brilliant story at a realistic level, with developing friendships, loveable characters and despicable villians.
The tag line for this movie states that "Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free" and that is what this film is all about, hope. The belief that if you have a dream, hope can help you realise it, no matter how bleak the situation may seem. Everytime I watch this movie, I become immersed by it to a point where it seems that I am there with the main characters at each and every step. I watch the credits roll knowing that I have been touched by something beautiful, knowing that I have been told a tale that inspires any hopes and dreams of my own. The Shawshank Redemption is without a doubt the greatest movie of all time.