Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

Rating: 9/10 (22 December 2007)

Andy Dufresne is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the 1940's, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner.
I've heard much about this movie. I've heard great things about this movie; wait, scratch that. I've heard brilliant things about this movie (considering that this is #2 on the top 250 list in IMDb). I didn't really expect much from this movie because of the long running time and that this film (I thought) was about redemption. Boy, did it blow me away!
It didn't blow me away as far as people have been blown like a huge tornado have wrecked the country. It had blown me away like a strong wind would've knocked me down. It wasn't all that great (like a masterpiece) but it was an extremely satisfying film.
The performances in here were pretty much rock solid as far as playing two men in jail can go. The score was indeed very pleasing to one's ears. What else to say? Oh, the story may feel dark but there are some points where there are some light-heartedness and comedic scenes.
This film won me over. It pretty much won everyone over with it's great story and heart. Overall, as I said, it was extremely satisfying to watch from beginning to end. It didn't drag a bit even for a two and almost a half hour film. Watch it and you'll be blown away; but not as much as many others have been.