One man's lifelong fight for freedom, and one of the finest films of the last decade

Rating: 10/10 (16 June 2003)

After reading the two tirades submitted three days-apart (May 28/03 & June 1/03), absolutely shredding this fine film I felt I had to submit my own views. Everyone is indeed entitled to their own opinions, but when so many people love this film and give it the highest kudos possible I have to wonder about the judgement of someone who gives it a zero out of ten! Shawshank has become one my personal favorites over the years and if there was an injustice done in the 1994 Oscars, it's that the film didn't win. I was surprised at the time that the voting membership gave Forest Gump the nod over Shawshank for best picture, but Gump was full of U.S. patriotism and that always goes a long way at the Oscars. The Oscar Committee should maybe check Gump's position in the IMDB top 250 list, or lack of position as the case may be. Shawshank, based on a Stephen King short story and directed by Frank Darabont (The Green Mile and The Majestic, two more of my favorites) is a very well written tale of one mans' false conviction, subsequent imprisonment and his life long crusade to gain his freedom. It is about not surrendering to the hopelessness that must overcome even the strongest of wills after decades behind bars. It is about brotherhoods and friendships bonded over decades and also about the hatreds and evil that the same elements can foster. Like the other great prison film, Cool Hand Luke, the movie takes the side of the prisoners against the system, In story the warden and head guard are portrayed as truly evil as the rapists and murderers that they hold sway over. This film indeed deserves its high position on the best of list, and in my opinion should perhaps be moved up one more notch!