Best Movie I Have Ever Seen

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2009)

I just saw this movie on HBO for the 4th time, and I was shocked at how moving it was on this advanced viewing. Shawshank strikes a resonance that is hard to define, but is none the less evident to anyone who has the privilege of watching this movie.
Since pretty much every major plot and acting observation has been made in previous analysis, I would like to take a stab at what is at the heart of this movie's greatness: The American Dream. This movie is all about earning freedom, and even though the "redemption" is all about defying the judicial system, the movie is, in essence, an ode to American freedom. Andy's character spends the movie trying to overcome the adversity of his surroundings to cultivate an individualistic character that cannot be corrupted by the oppressions of the warden, nor the limitations. Rather, Andy's character strives with relentless hunger for the freedom, independence, and spirit that is at the heart of Americana.
Therein lies the beauty of this movie. There are no obtuse plot twists. There is no melodrama. Rather, this is the simple story of the American dream, pure and simple. For anyone who was searching, this is the great American movie.