Call the police!!!!! There's been a robbery!

Rating: Null/10 (9 September 2001)

(Note: Some plot-spoilers included)
Yes! That's right! The Shawshank Redemption would like to report that it was robbed of seven thoroughly deserved Oscars.
Why? From it's ascentive messages of hope to the powerful redemptive affects felt - not only by the characters but also the audience, Frank Darabont has created a true masterpiece.
We all know that Freeman and Robbins provide superlative performances, while less credit is often given to James Whitmore as Brooks - the backdrop to Red's ultimate redemption - showing what could have happened to Red without Andy. An amazing assortment of minor characters litter this film, and while admittedly there are a lot of prison cliches, they manage to work - cliches aren't always bad remember - they have to be said by a lot of people first!
Cinematography: Hello? Did you see the scene when Andy first arrives at Shawshank with the overhead view of the prison - which shows emphatically the extent of the "closed wall" syndrome that leads to the "institutionalized" sections? Ohh, and don't forget THAT scene - you know what I mean - Andy using the recurring metaphor of water once he's escaped! The metaphor of Christ's journey ending in the washing away of Andy's memories of Shawshank in his crucifiction pose takes the breath away. This film is truly special.
After reading the original novella by Stephen King, I looked forward to watching the Shawshank Redemption when it was bought for me on video - and Darabont not only does a great job at directing, but his adaptation of the novella is superb as well.
The ending, while not containing the big budget special effects that most modern films seem to require as a neccesity nowadays, is a wonderful conclusion to a film that reaffirms faith in humanity. Thank you to all concerned in making the film.