One Of The Greatest Films Ever Made. An Excellent,Powerful,Unforgettable Masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (11 January 2015)

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest films ever made,an excellent,powerful and unforgettable masterpiece that combines terrific direction,brilliant performances from an outstanding cast,a wonderful script and a powerful and memorable score. All of those elements make The Shawshank Redemption not only one of the best Stephen King adaptations but a movie that is cinema at it's best.
Based on the Novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King,The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne(Tim Robbins),a banker who is serving two life prison sentences for killing his wife and lover(although he claims he's innocent)at Shawshank prison. While at the prison Andy meets fellow inmate Red(Morgan Freeman)a man who can get things inside and the two form a long friendship while dealing with life in Shawshank prison.
Released in 1994,The Shawshank Redemption is a truly brilliant and outstanding film that was the directorial debut of Frank Darabont and his first feature film adaptation of a Stephen King tale. Despite receiving rave reviews from critics and earning 7 Academy Award nominations The Shawshank Redemption wasn't a huge hit at the Box Office and was overshadowed by other classic movies released the same year such as Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump. But thanks to television showings and success on Home Video The Shawshank Redemption became a classic and one of the most memorable movies of all-time. The Shawshank Redemption is a film that is an instant classic the first time you watch it and is a movie that is powerful and dramatic,meaningful and gripping,uplifting and sad as well as humorous and light. All of those elements give Shawshank Redemption an emotional weight that reminds viewers why film is such a beautiful art form because it's a film where just everything works from the direction,acting and writing where everything is flawless. The Shawshank Redemption is a prison movie that has some of the grit and brutality of other prison movies but the storyline is much different and unpredictable than other prison films with messages and themes that are repeated throughout such as hope,life and optimism despite being in prison and dealing with the hardships. It's rare to see or hear such themes talked about in a prison movie but that is one of the things that makes Shawshank stand out from the other movies in the prison genre. Shawshank also shows viewers what a talented and versatile writer Stephen King truly is showing us that King can not do Horror and Science Fiction but can also do Drama. Shawshank along with other great Stephen King adaptations such as The Green Mile and Stand By Me are prime examples that King can do Drama. Shawshank also deals with not only prison life but also the passage of time going from the 1940s to the 1960s with posters of beautiful and sexy actresses such as Rita Hayworth,Marliyn Monroe and Raquel Welch showing that while time stands still in prison the world can move pretty fast. The pace of this movie is just terrific going by fast making you feel like you're watching a 90 minute film than a 2 and half hour one. The screenplay by Frank Darabont is amazing and memorable with dialog that is fresh and powerful as well as memorable and thoughtful. Shawshank's two main characters Andy and Red are classic characters who are the anchors of the film showing viewers the kind of friendship that lasts a long time. Andy and Redd look at prison life in different ways,Andy despite serving a life sentence believes that there is still hope beyond the prison walls and no one not the warden or the guards can't touch inside of him. Whereas Red is opposite and more cynical believe there is just prison life and that's all there is. However,despite their opposite ways of thinking Andy and Red's friendship and bond is strong and grows as the film goes on and when you see these two throughout the movie you will feel that there is redemption and hope for Andy and Red. Andy and Red is one of the best depictions of friendship in movie history and you will never forget these characters after the film is over. The final 20-30 minutes of The Shawshank Redemption is one of greatest endings ever seen on film because there is surprises and happiness that will make you smile and cry with joy. A masterful conclusion.
The cast is outstanding. Tim Robbins is excellent and at his best as Andy Dufresne,with Robbins bringing a power and emotional depth to the performance. Morgan Freeman is brilliant and his best as well as Red,Andy's best friend and prison mate. Robbins and Freeman are magical together and have great scenes. Bob Gunton is fantastic and memorable as Wardon Norton,a corrupt prison Wardon. William Sadler is terrific and funny as Heywood,Andy and Red's friend and fellow prisoner. Clancy Brown is amazing and menacing as Captain Hadley,a Shawshank's brutal guard. Gil Bellows is sensational as Tommy,a young convict. James Whitmore is outstanding as Brooks,an old timer and prisoner. Mark Rolston(Bogs),Larry Brandenburg(Skeet),Brian Libby(Floyd),Neil Giuntoli(Jigger),David Proval(Snooze),Joseph Ragno(Ernie)and Jeffrey McDunn(1946 D.A)give good performances as well.
The direction by Frank Darabont is fantastic and stunning,with Darabont moving the camera with tracking shots,low angles with beautiful and harsh lighting. Great direction,Darabont.
The score by Thomas Newman is terrific,beautiful and epic and is fits with the movie's tone. Incredible score,Newman.
In final word,if you love Tim Robbins,Morgan Freeman,Frank Darabont,Stephen King,Prison Films or movies in general,I highly suggest you see The Shawshank Redemption,an excellent and unforgettable masterpiece that you can watch again and again and is cinema at it's best. Highly Recommended. 10/10.