Tied for my favourite film, a truly moving, inspiring masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (20 January 2007)

Frank Darabont is a truly brilliant director and adapter of Stephen King's more dramatic books. After I saw the masterpiece that was The Green Mile I had to see this movie, I just had to. Now that I have I am truly glad I did. Tied with Requiem for a Dream, this is also my favourite movie and a movie I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Everything about it is perfect. From the inspirational performances from the perfect cast (Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman being the obvious stand-outs), the dialogue, the moving score and Frank Darabont's excellent direction there is no flaw in this movie.
There are no special effects in this, no action, just men in a prison who talk. But it's what they talk about that matters. All these beautiful themes of friendship, hardship, hope and freedom are in all these prisoners who we all come to love (well, most). Thomas Newman provides us with a gentle and utterly beautiful score. It is truly hard to believe this didn't sweep the Oscars (not that it matters). Tim Robbins gives his greatest performance in this film, it's truly moving and he just embraces his character. Morgan Freeman also gives a performance to remember and his narration couldn't have been done better by anyone else, it's a beautiful thing that helps carry the movie.
5/5. I urge people who haven't seen it to see it immediately, you will not regret it.