A Solid And Well-Done Film, Not A Masterpiece

Rating: 6/10 (27 January 2014)

The Shawshank Redemption was a film that I have heard so much about. Many of my friends have hailed it as their favorite film and one of the greatest films ever made. Now, being someone who isn't easily pleased; I went into The Shawshank Redemption with reservations.
Coming out of the film, I realized that it made me feel warm. I know that's a weird saying but it's a comfort film. A lot of people love it because it leaves you feeling happy and hopeful; not disturbed like Chinatown or frightened like Halloween (1978).
Shawshank is sentimental, joyful and has one great ending. Yet, the film feels so "safe"; leading the audience to a bittersweet and somewhat forced conclusion.
Overall, The Shawshank Redemption is a good film; it just doesn't take risks. Shawshank feels just fine in its little comfortable cinematic world.
If people enjoy that type of film, that's fine; I just think a film that takes more risks (2001: A Space Odyssey or The Tree Of Life) should be deserving of the top spot of the IMDb Top 250.