Exquisite Cinema

Rating: 10/10 (31 August 2000)

I can honestly say that Frank Darabont's "The Shawshank Redemption" is my favourite film of all time. It is simply perfect and it is criminal in my opinion that it missed out on so many Academy Awards in 1994.
Inspired direction from Mr. Darabont is complimented by superb performances from every member of the cast, which includes Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler and the menacing Clancy Brown.

Based upon a Stephen King novel, "The Shawshank Redemption" is the story of banker Andy DuFresne, imprisoned for the alleged murder of his wife and her lover. As life in prison begins to take it's toll, DuFresne (Robbins) befriends prison "fixer" Red (Freeman) who is understood to be 'a man who knows how to get things'. In truth, there isn't really a definitive storyline, the film merely chronicles the trials and tribulations experienced by DuFresne over his life imprisonment, during which time he becomes a financial advisor to the prison guards and makes friends in high places, although the Warden Norton (Gunton) has other plans for his talents.
A dynamic twist in the tale is the perfect finale to this exceptional film of which there is not a bad word to be said. The 2 hrs 17 mins simply flies by and by the end this magnificent story of courage, friendship, loyalty and ultimately hope will leave you feeling warm, extremely satisfied and ready for another viewing. A beautiful movie.