Before Watching: The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Rating: 9/10 (13 August 2019)

"The Shawshank Redemption" (1994) is both an excellent drama and the highest rated movie on IMDb, and for a good reason. If you want to get as much out of it as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before watching:
This movie is a prison movie. There are harsh language, a lot of profanity, violence (although not too graphic), and some psychologically intense moments. The opening scene features some very sensual elements, and the subject of rape is heavily present in the first half of the movie as well. Overall, it is easy to see why this is a R-rated movie.
Nevertheless, all of that can be derived from the Parents Guide. What the Parents Guide doesn't necessarily tell you is how impactful this movie is. It requires an additional half an hour after the credits have rolled to really be appreciated and soaked in, and make sure to take that into consideration. One should never put him- or herself in a stressful situation before, during or after watching this.
The Shawshank Redemption is brilliant, and treat it as such. Respect its voice over, its mood and atmosphere, and its music! Let it resonate. Enjoy it.
My personal grade: a powerful 9/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.