This is my favorite film of all time.

Rating: 10/10 (29 November 2016)

The plot, the acting, the big name stars all in their greatest roles. Even the music was spectacular. I give it a 10 without hesitation and watch it every time it shows up on cable. Morgan Freeman shines alongside Timothy Hutton a pairing that works for both. Freeman should have won an Academy Award for his performance. Everyone in the cast brings the dark side out of prison life along with the sometimes comedic side of doing hard time. The time line advances according to the pin-ups requested by Dufresne (Hutton) , giving the viewers an idea of the era. Freeman as "Red" is the jail-wise con that repeatedly is turned away by the system. A must watch.