ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF THE DECADE

Rating: 10/10 (29 January 1999)

When I first saw this movie i was 16 and wasn't allowed in the theatre since it was rated R. I asked some of the people standing in line if they would let me come in with them. I don't know why I wanted to see it so much(the trailer wasn't that great). But when I sat down and watched that opening sequence where the judge slams down that gavel for the poor Mr Dufresne and Red comes walkin in to the parol board i knew i was in for something special. The cinematography of that old prison was amazing. As we hear more dialog coming from the two main characters our hearts go out to these "brave souls". The character development is better than in any movie i've seen for a while. You really start to care and feel for these imaginary people as if you knew them. The more times i watch it on my laserdisc player, the more I can't believe how anyone could not at least "like" this masterpiece of filmmaking. It really got the shaft at the oscars. Tim Robbins should have at least been nominated. I still don't think forrest gump had as much to offer about the human experience as "THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION". It really is a fantastic piece of work. Writing, acting, direction, and cinematography come together in this masterpiece.