More then just a "Prison Movie"

Rating: 10/10 (6 May 2014)

The Shawshank Redemption is so much more then just a "prison movie". Indeed a majority of the film takes place in the drab, cold, depressing world of a prison which sets the tone and the stage for the vibrant characters Frank Darabont directs on screen. This is where the movie shines. It's about hope, loyalty, survival and most importantly, friendship.
Andy Defresne and Red (Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman) put on a spectacle in this film, the way they present their characters, the yin and yang of the two is one of the most incredible acting duo's put on celluloid. The film begins with Andy being the one that needs Red, yet in the final act of the film, we see just how much the two need each other.
The supporting cast is also brilliant. One of the late, great James Whitmores final great films.
I simply cannot do this film justice with words. It's one of those films that needs to be seen at least once. One of the great travesty's is that this film did not win best picture in 1995 or any of the other awards it was nominated for. Not to take away from Forrest Gump, but the Shawshank Redemption simply blew it out of the water.