One of the best of its time

Rating: 9/10 (22 July 2013)

After years of hearing people praise this film, and occasionally catching snippets of it on TV, I made a point of renting the film.
The Shawshank Redemption comes from a Stephen King story and has elements that might remind one of Stalag 17 or Cool Hand Luke. But this movie is an original gem. It is a tribute to man's indomitable spirit. And it shows the importance of hope--even in the lives of men who have been institutionalized by an uncaring society via the prison system.
Two things that make this film greater than others in the genre are:
1. A villain that personifies evil so completely. The warden is made more villainous by his avowed dedication to Christian principles.
2. The excellent screenplay creates "mini-mysteries" throughout by allowing the viewer to consider what happens at certain times, then revealing the unexpected truths. This engages the audience, and creates twists that entertain.
This film deserves the hype it gets.