A damn good film, worthy of great praise.

Rating: 10/10 (27 August 2013)

Don't believe anyone who says that this film is overrated. In my view, it is one of the most outstanding pieces of cinema in recent times.
The reason that Shawshank is so good is that it is marvellously well-executed in several aspects. The most notable of these is the acting - Morgan Freeman is in fine form as Red, a long-serving inmate who befriends new prisoner Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins. Robbins' performance left me amazed as his portrayal of Andy was so rich and layered that even the most cynical viewer would struggle not to feel for him. The journey of the character, his struggles and his victories, great and small, are so deeply satisfying that you cannot tear your eyes away from it. The story also has great pacing, courtesy of director Frank Darabont - it never feels hurried, nor does it drag. The development of the friendship between Andy and Red is done particularly well; the way it changes and grows deeper as time passes (the film spans nearly 20 years), and how you learn more about each character, feels natural. Darabont also perfectly captures the atmosphere of life in Shawshank prison. The script is gold, giving a fantastic narrative through Red, and including some rather poignant sentiments that we can all connect with on some level - mainly, Andy's thoughts on hope and freedom.
There is some discussion over whether The Shawshank Redemption or the Godfather is more deserving of the #1 film spot. For me, there's no contest - yes, The Godfather is a great piece of film in many ways, but the fact is that it doesn't satisfy you nearly as much as Shawshank on any level. This film feels like it matters, and by the end (without trying to sound too corny), it leaves you with a sense of sheer joy and wonder that is rare in films nowadays. Well-made, outstandingly acted and deeply satisfying, this incredible film strikes a chord with us all, and deserves every bit of praise that it gets.