Watch this movie. Then watch it again

Rating: 10/10 (29 July 2005)

The Shawshank Redemption is without a doubt my favourite film of all time. Ranked 2 in the top 250 films it is clear others agree with me. And when you watch this you will too. The plot may sound familiar (guy goes to jail, guy escapes jail) but this is nothing like i have seen before. It's about Andy Dufresnes (Tim Robbins) determination and persistence which keeps him going through his 19 years. But the film is also about Ellis Boyd Redding (Morgan Freeman) commonly known as "Red". He does not claim innocence and is the only guilty man in Shawkshank. When Dufresne arrives Red makes a bet he'd be first to crack. But Andy stays strong which surprises Red. He uses this strength to keep going day after day and he passes this feeling onto Red when he tells him of a box planted under the tree. This gives Red some hope, It gives him something to look forward to and that will keep him going day by day. Without Andy Red would have nothing in life. And when you have nothing in life like Brooks did... There is nothing to keep you going onto the next day. This film is brilliantly scripted. The acting is top class and you get the feel of the innocent man amongst the guilty. The corrupt guards and wardens add to Andys story of wrong convictions and unfairly treated. He just happens to be the only innocent man in Shawshank.