The best cinematic way of storytelling

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2001)

This is my favourite movie of all time. I saw it when it was first shown in German free-TV. I was gripped from the beginning because the story was told in the Stephen King-type epic slowness with always something happening. Then, about 100 minutes into the film, there was THE scene. Those who have seen the movie will know which one I mean. It was like a slap in the face but it didn't hurt. It was just inspiration. The feeling decreased very slowly because there were other, smaller slaps following. Since then, this has been my favourite film and I haven't seen any better. I wasn't surprised that it was nominated for seven Oscars!
But when I looked it up in the IMDb I was surprised that it's among the top ten and so popular because I hadn't heard anything about it before. It was not successful at all in Europe. All the happier I was because I felt confirmed in my enthusiasm. I mean, I have to admit that the main reason for choosing this as my favourite was the finesse of the most satisfying punchline` in movie history. I like characters who are unbreakable because of their mental power. Yes, it's definitely a movie about hope. But it would be unfair to forget about all the other elements:
Morgan Freeman is one of the most mature actors in the world. He always chooses roles with quality. And Tim Robbins is a very changeable actor: Just think about Cadillac Man` or Bull Durham` and the characters he played there. But also all the minor characters are described very precisely and integrated in the plot. It's not just a couple of episodes: it's one huge, magnificent story.
Roger Deakins, the favourite cinematographer of (my favourite directors) Joel & Ethan Coen helps to make it not just an epic, also a cinematic masterpiece. And Frank Darabont is a fascinating director because he concentrates on the story and doesn't try to push himself to the fore by any facilities in directing, except THE scene I already mentioned. All of the seven Oscars should have been won by The Shawshank Redemption`. With all due respect for Forrest Gump`.