This just might be the perfect movie

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2007)

When ever anyone asks me what movies I've really enjoyed "The Shawshank Redemption" is at the top of my list.
Funnily though, it starts of with what almost seems like a 'B' movie murder, at least the way the initial scene and the acting unfolds. The first time I saw it I thought I was in for a disappointment but how wrong I was. It's a sweet ride all the way to the finish...and it's a long way to the finish. But anytime the story hints at dragging a bit (and it does on occasion) the plot shifts and goes off on a new tack.
The acting by all is superb. The story is great with a totally 'didn't see it coming' surprise leading to the conclusion, and you will empathize with Tim Robins in the lead role. Morgan Freeman is excellent as supporting actor and nicely ties it all together as the voice-over narration to gap the time intervals between different chronological scenes. After all, the story does span a period from the late 40s to the 70s. Yeah, it's somewhat of a sprawling epic but in a microcosm.
This is a truly great film, a classic now and for years to come. I can't believe that it lost the Oscar to "Forrest Gump".