A truly iconic and classic film!

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2016)

The Shawshank Redemption is one of those films that the majority of people will love, and yet, it can be hard to pinpoint one particular reason why. The performances are stellar, in fact it's hard to think of any particular cast member who lets the team down, but that's not it. The set design is suitably bleak, the dialogue is just the right balance of realism and poetry, and we once again get to hear the dulcet tones of Morgan Freeman's narration, but again, these are not what make the film great.
Everything comes together with Shawshank, creating an instant and intense atmosphere that can be gritty, distressing, and at the same time, hopeful, humorous and beautiful. This film portrays the character's life and experience with frank honesty, with the undeniable quality of the production only serving to support this incredible story. Even the score is impressive, adding tension even when you don't even notice it's there.
The only reason I don't give this film a ten is because it is not usually a genre that I love, and although this film is definitely an exception, I cannot say it is outright perfect. But it's damn near close!