Beautiful, Powerful Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (8 September 2004)

"The Shawshank Redemption" is a film practically void of flaw: a monumental, impeccable gem, succeeding marvelously as a heartfelt tale of hardship, friendship, and above all, redemption. Practically every element in this film is either extremely satisfying or undeniably excellent, as everything one might desire in a dramatic experience, and even a film experience, is executed with perfect conviction, from the brilliant, compelling performance of Morgan Freeman, to the passionate, relentless direction, to the enchanting, whimsical screenplay, to the powerful, befitting score; this film succeeds on nearly every level. It is entertainment at its best, featuring an amusing, rousing story of survival and redemption, while attaining those sincere, practical, and original qualities a "film purist" will heartily enjoy. You follow Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins through their every experience, as their trials, tribulations, and redemption are the central themes of the story. You develop an intense bond with their struggles, and how they manage to overcome so many hardships and injustices, while still retaining confidence and hope. The resounding message here is "Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you free", and oh, what a powerful, important message for all of us to consider. It is an absolute travesty that this brilliant, enchanting, and impeccable film was rejected for even a single Oscar. Any other year than Forrest Gump and this would have won gold; such a shame. I loved practically everything about this film, as an entertainment, as an artistic achievement, and as a lesson of life: "Get busy living, or get busy dying." What a wonderful film "Shawshank" is. **** out of ****