The Shawshank Redemption Reviews

Warning: Spoilers
The Shawshank Redemption is written and directed by Frank Darabont. It is an adaptation of the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, the film portrays the story of Andy Dufresne (Robbins), a banker who is sentenced to two life sentences at Shawshank State Prison for apparently murdering his wife and her lover. Andy finds it tough going but finds solace in the friendship he forms with fellow inmate Ellis "Red" Redding (Freeman). While things start to pick up when the warden finds Andy a prison job more befitting his talents as a banker. However, the arrival of another inmate is going to vastly change things for all of them.

There was no fanfare or bunting put out for the release of the film back in 94, with a title that didn't give much inkling to anyone about what it was about, and with Columbia Pictures unsure how to market it, Shawshank Redemption barely registered at the box office. However, come Academy Award time the film received several nominations, and although it won none, it stirred up interest in the film for its home entertainment release. The rest, as they say, is history. For the film finally found an audience that saw the film propelled to almost mythical proportions as an endearing modern day classic. Something that has delighted its fans, whilst simultaneously baffling its detractors. One thing is for sure, though, is that which ever side of the Shawshank fence you sit on, the film continues to gather new fans and simply will never go away or loose that mythical status.

It's possibly the simplicity of it all that sends some haters of the film into cinematic spasms. The implausible plot and an apparent sentimental edge that makes a nonsense of prison life, are but two chief complaints from those that dislike the film with a passion. Yet when characters are this richly drawn, and so movingly performed, it strikes me as churlish to do down a human drama that's dealing in hope, friendship and faith. The sentimental aspect is indeed there, but that acts as a counterpoint to the suffering, degradation and shattering of the soul involving our protagonist. Cosy prison life you say? No chance. The need for human connection is never more needed than during incarceration, surely? And given the quite terrific performances of Robbins (never better) & Freeman (sublimely making it easy), it's the easiest thing in the world to warm to Andy and Red.

Those in support aren't faring too bad either. Bob Gunton is coiled spring smarm as Warden Norton, James Whitmore is heart achingly great as the "Birdman Of Shawshank," Clancy Brown is menacing as antagonist Capt. Byron Hadley, William Sadler amusing as Heywood & Mark Rolston is impressively vile as Bogs Diamond. Then there's Roger Deakins' lush cinematography as the camera gracefully glides in and out of the prison offering almost ethereal hope to our characters (yes, they are ours). The music pings in conjunction with the emotional flow of the movie too. Thomas Newman's score is mostly piano based, dovetailing neatly with Andy's state of mind, while the excellently selected soundtrack ranges from the likes of Hank Williams to the gorgeous Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart.

If you love Shawshank then it's a love that lasts a lifetime. Every viewing brings the same array of emotions - anger - revilement - happiness - sadness - inspiration and a warmth that can reduce the most hardened into misty eyed wonderment. Above all else, though, Shawshank offers hope - not just for characters in a movie - but for a better life and a better world for all of us. 10/10.

Algo como The Shawshank Redemption en tiempos actuales tiene claros motivos de ser puesto como cine de calidad, mucho más en regiones como Latinoamérica, y no es muy difícil deducir el por qué: trata de presos siendo puestos como los buenos de la historia, como gente a la que debés comprender y, por ende, gente cuyas vidas vale tanto como la nuestra, la de la gente normal.

Shitty movie made for shitty people. One of the worst movies I've ever seen. Only God knows why and how this movie is #1 on IMDb Top 250.

A popular classic 'tolerated' by the critic. In a way, the script is better than the film, because the narration in off by Freeman has great texts, as the one that makes his freedom. Old Whitmore is great.

A very universally likeable film with lovely characters, a very involved story, and stylized in ways that suit my interests.

I really love this film, it was a great idea and it’s well acted, a great achievement and better than Forrest Gump for sure

The story (based on a novel) is certainly very interesting about an innocent person who is sent to jail for a murder he didn't do and the escape is very funny He digs a tunnel through the wall which is covered by a poster in his cell

Coupled with a very good story is showcase performances from leads Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, a great cast for a #1 movie

'The Shawshank Redemption' is just really amazing like 'Downfall', 'The Aviator' or 'Titanic' but better than all three of them, it truly is the best movie ever and a must-see for anyone

Darabont's adaptation of a Stephen King novella is a throwback to the kind of serious, literate drama Hollywood used to make... Against this weighs the pleasure of discovering a first-time director with evident respect for the intelligence of his audience, brave enough to let character details accumulate without recourse to the fast-forward button. Darabont plays the long game and wins: this is an engrossing, superbly acted yarn, while the Shawshank itself is a truly formidable mausoleum.

I watched this film last night, and I was truly amazed. We think that we are free out here and that prisoners are not. But the longer we put them in there, the more free they become. The world of stone becomes their everything, outside they have nothing . this movie tells not only the story of an escaping prisoner but also what a happens to a humans mind when u isolate it for too long. We feel regret for what happens to them in there despite the crimes they’ve committed. Hope is dangerous for men that are busy dying, but it’s good for men that are busy living. This movie drags you into the world of prisoners and makes you feel all feelings that u can possibly feel.

Bart ten Hagen

this is a very good movie. i would consider this a classic. one of morgan freeman's better movies. tim robbins is also good. stephen king went away from his roots as a horror author and wrote this book, which was then adapted to a movie.

The Shawshank Redemption has now become one of the only handful of films that no-one objects to when you rank it number one or somewhere in the top five or ahead of The Godfather. Go ahead, try it. Now, many directors have tackled Stephen King, and while many have had their arrows miss the target, others have hit the bullseye straight; And Frank Darabont is one of the latter, giving us the greatest silver-screen adaptation of a SK story. It is all things positive and the reason why it is such a great film because everyone involved were great. No actor was miscast, no dialogue was off the hook and no scene was pointless. It is so well a-made movie that it is a surprise it was an utter flop when it was released back in 1994. This is what's wrong with our people; too slow in appreciating a genius movie like Shawshank and a genius director like Darabont. The pace of the film was perfect. To me it felt like akin to talking a tour around your best friend's home, and then sitting back and witnessing the day-to-day life of his family, with your best friend being your personal narrator, bringing you the ins and outs and ups and downs of everything. Shawshank Redemption falls under the category which I've labeled it as unparalleled cinema which also includes films like Ben-Hur, Godfather, Nosferatu and the like. Also, it has my vote for the National Film Registry, which after all, is quite a big honor for the movie and everyone involved in it.

From the performances, everyone remembers Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding, who is now considered by many to be the greatest black character in a film. Even though he was active for some time, it was this film that propelled Freeman to stardom and to an iconic status as we know him today. His rich narrative voice made him a favourite among directors, commercials and Oscar ceremonies. And who can blame them? Joining him by his side is Tim Robbins as Andy Dufrense, the main hero. Some say he was quite detached in his role but I say different. He had a mature and sensible aura to him that gave his character a unique understanding. Oh, and also his smile, don't forget that. Robbins was very believable in his character and I consider it to be his best role to date, tied alongside with Mystic River. Equalling them both was James Whitmore as Brooks, hands down the best performance from the film. I've always enjoyed his roles and this is one of his top 3 best ever. His nine-minute narration sequence is not only heart-breaking on a realistic level, but damn well acted and narrated. In all respects, the single most greatest narration sequence ever in a film. From the villains, Bob Gunton as the corrupt Warden Norton was simply the tops. Strictly professional and none of the clicking tongue bullshit. A performance like this is rarely seen in other movies. Joining him is William Sadler as Capt. Heywood, the corrupt's corrupt. Another brilliant performance, although not to the level of the above mentioned, but still brilliant.

In conclusion, The Shawshank Redemption is a rare film. A once-in-every-three-decades-film. It commands your attention and makes you cry unashamedly, wince in pain and howl with happiness. Yes sir, this film will make you squeal just like Ned Beatty did in Deliverance but it will still make you feel like a mountain of a man by the end.

9.5/10