The Shawshank Redemption

I hesitated for a long time about whether I should admit it or not and I decided that I should. I cried at the end of The Shawshank Redemption. Not that I was crying like a baby, but still, no other film ever managed to do that. Can I give a film that achieved something like that anything less than five stars? No, and I would give it more if I could. Right now I’m incapable of producing a longer review, but I can say with a clear conscience that this is the most beautiful film I’ve seen so far… and Darabont is a genius. (13/08/2008)

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)

A little gem of a film that is loudly claiming the top spot in future polls for the best film of all time. If someone asked me what I liked about this film, I would have to tell them everything. From start to finish, a chill made a car track out of my back and by the end a warm feeling of happiness spread through my body. And speaking of the ending, it is equal to The Usual Suspects in terms of surprise, but surpasses it in intensity and emotional impact. If you haven’t seen it and have the chance, do not hesitate, you’ll be richly rewarded. (26/12/2002)

Salvation lies within. A marvelous, no, perfect adaptation of a story with the same title by Stephen King to the movie screen. A feature movie debut and one of the best movies in history. Everything here is perfect and of the highest possible quality. From unforgettable acting performances (for most involved these are the performances of their lives) through the director, the music, the camerawork... Simply everything without exception, thank you very much. There’s nothing to criticize here - everything is simply exactly as it should be. Ingenious, flawless, unforgettable and an captivating emotional experience. That’s The Shawshank Redemption for you. (20/01/2007)

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)