a true modern classic

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2004)

Every family has a film they watch together on a regular basis or for a special occasion/ holiday. Hoosiers and The Shawshank Redemption are the ones for my family. I'm sure I've seen this marvelous film at least 100 times since I was ten. This film reminds us that motion pictures still have the power to make us laugh, cry or look at ourselves from a new point of view. This is one of those rare films that makes you proud to be alive. Andy's struggles and redemption show us that hope is a beautiful thing and it never dies. My personal favorite scene in the entire film is Andy's crawl through 300 yards of sewage to freedom. The shot of his victory in which he stands in the rain with open arms embracing freedom is one of the most powerful and beautiful shots ever caught on film. I get tears of joy every time I see it. All in all, this is a remarkable film that like hope, will live forever. rating: 10/10
if you like this you may also like: Magnolia, American History X, American Beauty, Rain Man, Garden State