The Shawshank Redemption

Frank Darabont has a clear talent for these "people films". Compared to The Green Mile, The Shawshank Redemption is a little calmer in terms of the pace of storytelling and the events contained in it, but all the more care is given to the characters. Both main actors are excellently written and excellently executed, especially Robbins' Andy is fascinating for his inaccessibility, which melts during the film. Still, I wouldn't dare to place Darabont's film alongside such gems as Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, because in certain ways I find it too fabricated, artful, and aimed at the viewer's feelings (true, in a very tasteful way). I was impressed by the whole story, but not in any fundamental way. It's just... a nice narrative that I watched the whole film, but which couldn't pull me in and leave me with more than a feeling that excellent work was done. Perhaps I expected too much when I saw how high The Shawshank Redemption had climbed the ladder... But, of course, it's the best in its field. (25/02/2004)

The Shawshank Redemption is a truly amazing movie with a great story, soundtrack, and acting. It also has probably the best ending I have ever seen. The end left me with an amazing feeling, and the whole movie was great to watch. I think it rightfully deserves its place in the list here and in my Top Ten. (03/04/2015)

I was dumbstruck at the “showing of the cards” and remained in a state of indescribable chilling ecstasy until the closing credits. I didn’t know if I should cry, jump for joy or just sit quietly and savor what had just been conveyed to me. After getting home from the cinema, I turned off the lights, put on Thomas Newman’s soundtrack, lay down and tried to hold on to that ecstasy for as long as possible. The Shawshank Redemption is a film that slowly introduces you to the two main and a few supporting characters behind prison walls, in a world with its own rules, and then explains to you what their coming together in that place of pain and hopelessness has given them. It is a film about “hope that gives us wings”, a film with the most surprising, most powerful and most beautiful ending ever. (28/05/2002)

A timeless masterpiece that skillfully weaves a tale of hope, friendship, and redemption. The acting brings depth and humanity to their characters, making the story truly unforgettable. Thomas Newman's hauntingly beautiful score perfectly complements the film's emotional journey, elevating the experience to a higher level. Simply a profound and heartwarming exploration of the human spirit. (13/08/2012)

For years I heard amazing things about The Shawshank Redemption, but still I avoided watching this wonderful movie. I really like King’s short story and, to be honest, I didn’t believe that the movie adaptation could outdo the original. And I was wrong. Frank Darabont perfectly developed on little hints from the book, adding sequences to it that fitted the original storyline flawlessly. The excellent acting performances, not just from Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, made the movie almost uncannily plausible and convincing, and the amazing music by Thomas Newman sometimes moves you to tears. While watching this movie, you begin realize the spice of life - both its downsides and its beauty... “I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain." (31/05/2006)