Discovered Treasure, Must See!

Rating: 10/10 (8 May 2017)

This gem of a movie The Shawshank Redemption, ironically, was snubbed during its time (1994)---both critically and commercially. In recent years, however, there's a growing legion of cineastes singling out this film as the best, if not, one of the best of all time.
This movie is the perfect example of a masterpiece way ahead of its time. Take it as Beethoven's Symphony #5 of cinema. Years go by and the echo of its message gets louder and becomes even more relevant. It's about how we are defined by the establishment's greed and corruption.
It's about how we have forgotten our humanity.
It's about why our possessions, especially money, continue to deny us of the ever-elusive happiness we all yearn for.
It's about our capability to love our fellowmen under any circumstances.
Most importantly, it's about life as a matter of choice and how we can outdo the fear that imprisons us in misery. If only we tap our power from within. As its main message suggests, "Fear can hold us prisoner. Hope can set us free."
The Shawshank Redemption is a must for those undergoing severe depression. It keeps us glued to our seats while all of its elements seem to magnify the message of hope, love AND yes...redemption.
With a budget of $25 million, it earned only $58 million. It had 7 Oscar nominations but won nothing. NADA.
It is underrated and over qualified.
However, it has been #1 on IMDb's user-generated Top 250 since 2008, when it surpassed The Godfather. In my opinion, this is the best movie of all time. Morgan Freeman must be honoured with the best performance of all time.
My criteria: unlike The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption does not only grip the viewer's heart. It zaps the audience to boldly declare: LIFE IS AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!
Don't ever blame me if you fail to see this movie after this post. I warned you.