Well done, but unoriginal

Rating: 7/10 (8 June 1999)

Though I really enjoyed this movie, never would I agree that it is best film ever. It's powerful and full of heart, but it lacks one thing which is extremely important in a good film: originality. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were excellent in this film but their relationship is much like the relationship between Clint Eastwood and the librarian in "Escape From Alcatraz." The involvement of the library, the old coon who dies (Doc), the brut who is a threat (Wolf), the hole, the oppressive warden, and the escape in general all come from "Escape From Alcatraz." Though "Escape From Alcatraz" is not as powerful and emotional as "The Shawshank Redemption," it is a brilliantly done film and has the originality which "Shawshank" lacks. Though I do not want to belittle those who worship "Shawshank," I would suggest that anyone who has seen it should rent "Escape From Alcatraz." Then you may think twice before calling "Shawshank" the greatest film ever.