Plainly Superb!

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2011)

Let me start out by saying that this is one of my personal all time favorites and as such I may be a bit bias whole reviewing it. On the other hand, there's a reason it's a personal favorite.
The movie revolves around the wrongly imprisonment of Andy Dufrane (played by Tim Robbins) for the murder of his wife. The story focuses on Andy's life in prison, relationships with other inmates (particularly with "Red" played perfectly by Morgan Freeman) and passion for life and freedom.
I recently had an argument with one of them regarding this movie. He claimed it was "too plain" to be considered so great; my view was (and is) that it maybe be plain, but it's superb. The movie touched me when I saw it, Brooks' long life in prison (amazing acting by James Whitmore), Red's pragmatic persona and Andy's unyielding will and hope, all combines to an amazing movie.
In my opinion this isn't some regular "feel good movie", it's much more. It may be plain as my friend said, low on visual effects or outstanding camera work – but it's plainly superb. The texts send shivers down your spine, Frank Darabont's screenplay adaption to Stephan King's short story are brilliantly executed by the amazing cast and in the end that's what really matters.
I was moved when the movie ended, viewed it and prison differently, I expect it'll remain as a cult favorite despite the "no impressive effects and mediocre camera work" as my friend put it.
Go watch it if you haven't already, it's in my opinion one of the best movies of all time.