Hope springs eternal...

Rating: 10/10 (5 March 2008)

This movie was easily the best one based on a Stephen King and Frank Darabont screenplay. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman act very well together as best friends who find a way to deal with their difficult circumstances. Morgan Freeman's name in the movie is Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding. He is a person who can get you things, for a profit. Tim Robbins' name in the movie is Andrew Dufresne. He is someone accused of killing his wife. Andy asks Red to get him such items as a small rock hammer and posters of famous starlets. Red is someone disillusioned by the racist prison system, and serves as the main narrator for the film. This places the audience deeply inside the minds of the protagonists and even of the villains. I thought that Frank Darabont's directing was excellent. While close to three hours, it is time well spent as the movie is well written, well cast, and well directed. A solid 10/10 and recommended purchase.