One of the best movies i have ever seen, really moved me.

Rating: 10/10 (3 November 2019)

A prison melodrama doesn't exactly sound appealing, but what Darabont does brilliantly is balance the darker moments with wonderful cathartic moments of warmth, friendship and hope. Freeman's narration has a tremendous part to play in selling these moments too. Indeed, Shawshank feels like a film that is unashamedly full of catharsis - the beer drinking on the roof ; the music played across the prison ; the final scene - and these moments provoke such a strong emotional backbone to the film, that it is little wonder it is considered one of the best films of all time. Certainly, it is probably the finest example of a film about male bonding and friendship and whilst Robbins and Freeman's characters are the focus, all the supporting characters make an indelible impression too. But ultimately it is the central touching friendship of Red and Andy and the hope they embody that makes the film so appealing. Wonderful film!