I remember the first time I every saw Shawshank..; It was one of the greatest movies I'd ever watched

Rating: 10/10 (23 May 2017)

The Shawshank Redemption was directed by Frank Darahbont, stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman and Bob Gunton, and if you didn't read the summary as Morgan Freeman, you're not a real human being. We follow wrongfully incarcerated Andy Dufresne(Tim Robbins) who wrongfully serves two consecutive life sentences for the murder of his wife and her 'other' lover. We see him adapt to the brutality of prison life, and the birth of his friendships and enmities with prisoners and guards alike.
Where do I start with this masterpiece? Everything in this experience is masterfully crafted, devised and executed and it all comes together to make one of the greatest movies of all time. You may have issues with the differences between the novel and the movie but you cannot deny how well made this movie is. I can genuinely not name a single flaw with this movie and it remains as one of my favourite movies of all time. If you dislike this movie, then I feel sorry for you because this movie is just pure magic.
For starters, lets discuss the story. The story is rich, well crafted, detailed and is easily one of the greatest stories every put to film. Have all the issues about differences from the source material that you want but don't ever come to me and say the movie for this movie is weak because I will not be responsible for my actions. The fantastic themes of Hope V Fear that run through this movie elevate it above so many and is one of the many, many, many reasons I hold this movie on a pedestal. Get busy living or get busy dying.
Tim Robbins was excellent as Andy Dufresne and this is easily his greatest performance. Dufrense is such a rich and interesting character that he easily stands as one of the best protagonists of all time. Morgan Freeman also gives a career defining performance as Red and this is probably the role he'll be remembered for. Red is, in my opinion, the greatest supporting character, ever put to film. He is so well written, so well acted, so well done that I could not poke a flaw in his entire character because there is none. Bob Gunton was fantastic as Warden Norton and is just a brilliant opposing force for Andy. Every single character in this movie had layers of depth and was just amazing to watch. All the actors did superb jobs and were casted perfectly. This movie is just amazing.
Technically, this movie is yet again flawless. The cinematography is amazing. The set design is perfect. The costume design is amazing. This is genuinely a flawless movie.
In conclusion, if you haven't watched this movie and/or don't like it then I hate you. If you have watched this movie and dislike it, don't come near me because I cannot promise your safety. Please watch this movie; it is one of the best movies of all time and I can't recommend this movie enough.
10/10