"Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 2019)

"The Shawshank Redemption" is a 1994 drama directed by Frank Derabont starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in the leading roles. Movies based on the novels and stories of mastermind Stephen King enjoyed massive popularity for now almost half a century, some as critically acclaimed masterpieces ("The Shining", "The Green Mile") and some as mediocre but cult classic flicks ("Pet Semetary", "Christine"). Although they never fail to entertain it's not always easy to predict where an adaptation ranges. In this case though, it's obvious. I mean, could 2.2 Million other cinephiles be totally wrong? I guess not. This film definitely deserves the first spot. As a bookwork who loves the original short story it's satisfying to see how well adapted it is and how true it is to its source material. It had slightly different changes, but they were all for the better. I know, in the novella Red is a red-headed Irish man, but who would dislike a story narrated by Morgan Freeman? Additionally, he and Robbins performed outstandingly and acted together so well. This film is a melancholic and simultaneously hopeful journey of a falsely convicted banker and depicts how he manages to fulfill his dream of freedom. It's wonderfully filmed by the legendary and somewhat underappreciated cinematographer Roger Deakins and he really knows how to capture the devastation and the depressing tone of the story. Each and every brilliantly written character was spectacularly portrayed by their respective actor. Unlike other prison break movies this film addresses the dramatic and philosophical aspect of a lifetime sentence: What distinguishes an inmate from a human being? Of course most people commited a crime, but is it really necessary to take them in for a whole life? This film sensitively tries to answer these questions and shows us that although everything they have done, the inmates are still human beings. It's social criticism at it's finest, extremely emotionally shown through the story of Brooks. The ones who served their whole life in prison never get the chance to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. It's simply devastating to see at times, sometimes the brutality shows itself by violence and sometimes by unexplainable human behaviour. Despite all those prominent aspects this film also depicts the hopes and dreams of a man and inspiringly tells us that it's never to late to dream and that we as humans should never give up. All in all, this cinematic masterpiece lives up to its reputation and gives us an unforgettable experience that gives you goosebumps by its packing narrative and outstanding performances. This one of the best dramas ever made and will always be a milestone achievement in the history of cinema. Brilliant!