Exceptional Filmmaking

Rating: 9/10 (7 July 2003)

This is wonderful filmmaking filled with gut-wrenching emotion and drama. I do not agree that this is the 2nd greatest movie of all time. Perhaps it belongs in the top 50. This film as well as Director Frank Darabont's follow-up The Green Mile are based on Stephen King short stories and I honestly cannot say that one is better than the other. Masterful direction, acting, and storytelling. I am very, very particular about the films that I give a perfect score. I go for more thought-provoking plots rather than well-told melodramas like Titanic. This is certainly an excellent film with its triumph of the human spirit theme and I believe that it is worthy of a 9. Excellent film experience. ****1/2 / *****