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An Uplifting Movie About Hope

"The Shawshank Redemption" is an uplifting movie about hope. What I got out of the movie is that as long as you have hope you will always be O.K., I felt good after watching this movie, it puts that sense of hope inside you. I was actually cheering during the scene where Andy finally escaped from prison,it was a very unique moment. This is a film that anybody can watch and anybody that does watch it it will touch them in a special way, I guarantee it.

Probably the best film ever!

One of my personal best films of all time, Directed by Frank Darabont (Screenplay for The Green Mile and The Blob) and wrote by Stephen King (Misery/The Shining). Morgan Freeman (Along Came A Spider/Se7en) plays an amazing roll alongside Tim Robbins (War of the Worlds/mystic river), as 2 inmates both serving life sentences at Shawshank Prison set in the 1940s. I love the film from beginning to end. It has tension and suspense all the way through which builds up to one of the best endings which you could possibly imagine,it has everything a decent film should have. Bob Gunton (Broken Arrow/Demolition Man) plays a tough prison warden alongside Clancy Brown (Starship Troopers/The Hurricane). I have not added anything to this review which may spoil the film in any way, it is merely a review of my own, personal opinion, but i can tell you that you will not be disappointed with the film. thanks for reading, hope you enjoy the film has much as i did.

I watch it twice a year at least!

In the far western reaches of south west Wales I was lucky to be born to a father who had immaculate taste in film. At the tender age of 14, when I started to understand the complexity of human emotion I was introduced to this beautiful film. I remember the first time I sat and viewed the film, my father put the VHS in the video player and left me alone to begin my relationship with this film, from the age of 14 I reckon I must have watched this old film twice a year since and every time I still think this is probably the best film I have ever seen.Just thought I'd express a little of how I feel about this film, hope you don't mind.Al

Morgan Freeman is one of the greatest actors of all time.

Especially in this film. He can break your heart or make you laugh, and that's before he speaks. He will have you cheering at the end when "Red" gets in front of the parole board. I watched this only because someone told me it was great. It didn't look like a movie I'd like. Prison dramas aren't generally my thing. This one is different. The first half is brutal and at times difficult to watch, but it helps set the story in motion. You really feel you are there with Andy and Red. One of my favorite scenes is when the prisoners are on the roof of the prison drinking beer. You have to see it to understand what I mean. There isn't enough adjectives to describe this film I can only say that this one is definitely a must see. This one is right up there with "Amadeus" as my two favorite movies of all time. Please do not miss it.

Simply...Amazing

Words cannot express the impact this film has had on my cinematic life. Every movie I have seen since "The Shawshank Redemption", has been unfairly compared to it. It is the single greatest acted film of all-time. From Morgan Freeman to Tim Robbins to William Sadler to James Whitmore, the performances were simply amazing. This ,to me, is the greatest film of all time. What were you thinking AFI??

my virgin

don't get me wrong. i am 100 percent GUY. just as this is my first topic and comment in this forum. i just wanna devote my FIRST time to my favourite film. fancy seeing everyone here, and happy to be your FRIEND( have you ever seen "FRIENDS?). i don't want to talk something about this movie. you see, i am just a newbie here, i don't want to be snob in your eyes. all i have known about film is only it is good or not. i cant say much about it. anyway , give me a hello if you like. oh, it looks i could stop here. morethan 10 lines....OK, over. by the way, how will Andy go out if his cell isnot at one side?

Possibly the best movie ever created.

Once in a while a great movie is made. In 1994, Shawshank Redemption, went up against another giant, Forrest Gump. I personally feel if it weren't for the fan appeal in that year; Shawshank would of taken best picture. If it were to go up against any movie ever created then it would easily win. Shawshank includes many twists and is depicted in a very graphic and realistic way. Once again (like all good movies) the ending is what makes this movie. The actors were awesome and quite possibly could be the movie of the century. I really can't put this movie up against any other movie and should be #1 on the top 250 list. So please vote 10 because this movie really deserves it.

My favorite DVD

This is my favorite movie of all time. I have reviewed this movie for Yahoo.com but, I like it enough to review it again here. Freeman and Robbins made a great on screen dual male lead. This movie is filled with realism and suspense. I must say the first time I watched it I was stunned at the twist ending. I should also say this was a movie adapted from the book "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption", written by Stephen King. King is an incredible story teller. I like this movie better than another adaption. I have enjoy Kings work for many years but, this is really a deep story line.

I can't think of a scene that I like any better that the twist scene so I will not detail it as to hold the suprise for those who haven't seen it. Its a great movie just buy it and enjoy.

Incredible

Its this kind of movie that lets you know the beauty of the world. Although its kind of ironic that almost all of the movie takes place in a prison, the one place in the world where you'd think you'd be restricted from it. Just seeing it once lets you walk away from it with the biggest feeling of joy, no matter how upset you are about anything else, at that time, that one time, nothing in the world matters. Once its seen more than once, you soon begin to realize all the other side stories and ideas in the movie. It seems that every line in the film has some hidden meaning that you love to try and find. You'll find yourself returning home every night, and staying up, no matter how tired you are, to watch it again. The acting is great, and has made Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman my two favorite actors alongside Kevin Spacey. The movie gives you the feeling that all the men in the jail were imprisoned wrongly and that they are all innocent, but its only because they are actually people and you grow to like and understand them. The ending is very surprising, and rates among the best endings ever with "The Usual Suspects", "The Game", and "The Sixth Sense." The movie is incredible. It is an absloute masterpiece in every way possible. The acting, the directing, the writing, everything. The narrating by Morgan Freeman, who plays Red, is incredible and a story in its own. The only movie i know of that can honorably sit alongside this .. is "American Beauty". This film is the greatest movie ever, don't listen to anyone else. When you see it you will believe it, you will understand. " So after first meeting him, i guess you could say that I liked Andy from the start." - Red.No rating could justify this movie. Perfect.

Brilliant

Some individuals get bored with the beginning of the movie because of the slow pace, but one has to remember this isn't about action its about drama and a well told story, and the ending makes me smile every time. The well chosen dialog in the start shows the viewer this is not about your normal prison movie or any sorta of manner that could be included in that genre, but instead has well thought out banter. The cinematography is nothing new to any of us but thats not so important as the story and the way the angles show what need to be shown. Simplely put its a beautiful story, well written by King and is shot and made very worth peoples while. My mother watched it for the very first time a few weeks ago, before always complaining that it was boring and she could never get into it, now she sings it praise.

Inspirational movie making for the brain dead masses

I can't tell you the countless number of lives this film has helped to shape "for the better", all them folks feeling helpless and all that what not and what have you went and saw this and said "hey, I can change my life around."

We were better off without them, but not nearly as better off as we'd be without this dull, stale and horribly convoluted trash.

Remember when films could be both positive and seem to have a heart? The Shawshank Redemption has nothing at all whatsoever going for it, not even Deakins' cinematography could help save this pile of puke.

It's fluff, it's that simple, so much fluff, in fact, that I think it would have even made Frank Capra sick.

When the film was first released it was basically completely ignored, which Robbins loves to use as a point to compare the film to one of Orson Welles' masterpieces Citizen Kane which got the same treatment, but over the years it has gained a reputation, a new found respect, like the equally undeserving Ridley Scott abomination that is Blade Runner; it should have stayed ignored, plain and simple, let it wither away and rot.


It's # 2 or 3 on the IMDb top 250, a list which in and of itself is a long, unbelievable joke; so, go figure, people are idiots who don't want to think too much when viewing a film; maybe that's why Haggis' Crash got best picture.

Simply The Best?

I have many films that I regard as my personal favourites and it is difficult to put these in any order. However the number one in my list is easy - The Shawshank Redemption. This film has addictive qualities - if this film is on a screen you have to watch it no matter how often you've seen it. I think I'll go and watch it again now!

Just to say

This movie (The Shawshank redemption) is the masterpiece. The best movie i have ever seen.And as i see, im not the only one here thinking so.It is the shame for the Academy not to give any Oscars to this movie in 1994. This is the reason why i think Academy/Oscar is not real measure for movie/actor quality.I am very sorry that we will never see the second part (The Shawshank redemption 2).Great work Tim, Morgan, Clancy Brown, Bill Sadler, Gil, James, Mark, director, screenwriters etc. !Greetings from Croatia.PS: If any movie has its message within, this is the one.

Outstanding film of any time

When Andy Dufresne, a young and successful banker, discovers his wife in bed with another man his life takes a dramatic turn for the worse. When the lovers' bodies are discovered, shot repeatedly with bullets from a gun linked to Andy, he becomes wrongly imprisoned. Sent to a maximum security prison run by a corrupt and over-zealous religious warden he struggles to hang on to hope of returning to the outside world and reclaiming a sense of normality. After a period of isolation he finally approaches one of the other inmates, a convict called Red who is the only person in Shawshank Prison guilty of their crime. What begins as a business partnership between two characters, who would be unlikely to cross paths in the real world, quickly turns into a lifelong friendship. Together they manage to fight impossible odds to survive and prove that both hope and the possibility for redemption never die.I have heard many people rave about 'The Shawshank Redemption' over the years but have only just gotten around to watching it myself, and the praise heaped upon this film scarcely do it justice. This is not just the story of a man wrongly imprisoned, or the astonishing reality of life behind bars, but an emotional drama which reels you in from the onset. The movie is quite lengthy however I found myself unable to press the stop button as the level of interest was maintained steadily throughout, and I kept wanting to "watch a bit more". It has been a long time since I have actually cried while watching a film or sat on the edge of my seat literally in suspense, but 'The Shawshank Redemption' managed to make me do both.The characters are what make this movie brilliant and the casting of Morgan Freeman as Red and Tim Robbins as Andy was spot on. They managed to convince me that I was watching real life and actual circumstances rather than just a realistic portrayal of the prison world. Their reactions and behaviour were original but suited the film, and really highlighted how easy it can be to become a victim but that you do not have to accept that role forever.I felt inspired by the ideas raised and loved how my mind was encouraged to consider certain beliefs and rules in society. This movie challenges some of the toughest issues facing us in the modern age, even though the film was set over a period from the 1940's – 1980's. Frank Darabont has produced an excellent movie which does not disappoint in any way. I would recommend 'The Shawshank Redemption' to anyone over the age of about 15 as a brilliant and enlightening drama.

Great movie from start to finish...

If you haven't seen it, you're in for a treat... Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are supurb in this tale of hope.

The best sub-character is the character Clancy Brown plays (Byron Hadly)... 'the meanest screw to ever walk a turn in Shawshank'... He's pretty much you worst nightmare as far as prison guards go... He's like a mean Sergeant Hartman from 'Full Metal Jacket'...

NOT THAT GREAT!!! OPEN YOUR FRIGGIN EYES!!!!!!

Many, many people jock this movie, calling it an intelligent, philosophical and moving epic, but It's really not all that. It is a good movie, but it is not great or thought provoking at all. That year, 1994, was a great year for movies considering Pulp Fiction, Ed Wood and Quiz Show among others, yet people think Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption are ‘great' movies? Gag me.Here's some of the problems (Don't read this if you haven't seen the movie)Morgan Freeman's character - Don't get me wrong Freeman is a great actor (even if he always plays the same part) but seriously, did you ever watch MTV's ‘Scared Straight' or listened to Chris Rock's stand-up? Now tell me what kind of 18-year-old murderer goes to prison and kicks around using words that would make Edgar Allen Poe go get his copy of Webster's? Freeman's character's narration also served as a purpose to constantly bludgeon the viewer with 2nd rate philosophy people who've never been to prison come up with. By the end I was literally exhausted from the constant stream of corny insight I've already heard. Tell the truth now... If you saw a murderer on the evening news you'd probably want him dead or at least in prison for life, yet here you're supposed to rejoice in his parole as a result of a tired, bitch-em-out-I-don't-care speech that only seems to come up in movies. Another detraction to the narration is Morgan Freeman dropping the F, it never sounds right.The Warden - How many absolutely despicable characters has that guy played? Has anyone that evil ever run a prison? That is classic jail movie material. Obviously the filmmakers realize people will be upset about glorifying criminals so the answer is to make the authority pure evil. How irritating… If you want to convey criminals, just show them having fun and being real people; don't try to cover it up with evil police, try Bonnie and Clyde or Pulp Fiction, much more interesting.Brooks – Some serious button pushing here. Brooks is a typical, lame attempt to draw out some sentiment. The bird thing is a rip off of Escape from Alcatraz and like Freeman's character he's a great guy who happened to commit an offense so despicable he's in one of the most secure prisons in the country, but we can forget about that, right? The `Brooks was here' hanging himself because he can't keep up is another Hollywood favorite. Who hangs themselves? My gosh, at Nuremberg guys took poison to avoid being hanged because of the shame and disrespect. Yet, Brooks hung himself when at his age he could have waited a week and let nature take its course. Or better yet if Brooks got an old-fashioned whore and binged himself to death on alcohol and mind-altering drugs. Almost sounds like fun, who would prefer hanging? You know who, a character in a movie. That pretty much sums up the Shawshank Redemption, for what its aiming for it misfires because there is nothing genuine or authentic about it.

One of the Greatest Movies in the history of cinema

This film is destined to become a true classic. This masterpiece of filmmaking is worthy of its place on the Top 250 and should be #1. The film gives time to its characters and time to the story unlike other films. We see the world through the characters and feel as they do. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman give outstanding performances well worthy of an Academy Award. The ending is the greatest of any film and is so because of the time given to the characters and story. The score captivates the feeling of the film and gives the feel of Andy and Red's true redemption. This is a must have in any collection and deserves all the allure it has been given.

Patience doesn't mean to submit

One of the most satisfying movies ever. Anyone who has seen this film is being gradually overwhelmed by the injustice towards a single man; and while the scenario unfolds a grim, but also an unpredictable future, the hero reveals at the end his so far unrealistic stance in everything inside the prison. Redemption is not a utopia on this film. A scarce thing to see in the majority of today's movies. It perfectly reflects an every day person's point of view in assessing things and his life by "get busy living or get busy dying". And although it contains some dramatic characters, it gives the final sensation to the audience that hope can really change things, no matter the costs involved. A sensation that is amiss from today's movies, which try to present a realistic ending or character. Movies were not made to be totally realistic and this movie proves it magically.

Great

I have recently watched The Shawshank Redemption. To put it simply as possible, it is a great piece of movie history.This movie deserves to be where it is (second)on the best Two hundred and fifty greatest films of all time.The Shawshank Redemption is basically about a prisoner, who is in Shawshank prison because of a murder which he didn't commit. The prisoner is a banker called Andy dufresne. As the film shows Andy is a honest man. Andy is also a committed man. Andy is acted by Tim Robbins. Andy Dufresne makes a strong friendship with a man nicknamed Red. Red is acted by Morgan Freeman. I think this movie is on of the best I've ever seen I would rate it 9 out of 10.

My Favorite Film

This film is about one thing and one thing only: HOPE. Hope will get you through anything!Oh, and if you haven't already done so, don't bother reading the Stephen King novella from which this film is based. It foreshadows the ending a little too much and takes away that anxiety you get as you near the end of the film.