A True Classic

Rating: 10/10 (17 May 2014)

One of those bores that liked it before all the hoopla...remember getting to watch as I'd read the Stephen King short story in the collection of novella's* of which it was part (which I had only read as it contained the short story 'the Body' which was turned into my previous favourite film, Stand by Me)
Upon watching what I thought was an astonishing film on video, I wondered why I hadn't heard of this being at the cinema or talked about....although I say that latter point now...it's probably something that has developed over time... much like the buzz for the film itself... I can say it remains to this day the only film that I have watched after reading the story, that is much better and more poignant than the book from which it came.
The film itself is told in a great way and filmed brilliantly...not least captured by the character of the warden (depicting what were 3 in the novella). It is full of great supporting characters and turns and there are two brilliant male leads (they both should've have got an Oscar nomination with one of them winning!). It's a film where if I started writing about the components of, or scenes from, I could go on For longer than the film itself...(which despite its length never felt like a long movie!) So will just say that I'd recommend watching it to anyone. I've watched it copious times since first viewing and it never gets boring or do I seem to switch off when it's on...so a boring choice of favourite film, but it really is a great movie.10/10
* the collection (4 seasons) of short stories also contains Apt Pupil, which is probably the best of the novella's but was turned into a pretty average movie!