Synopsis:

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover.  Set in the 1940s, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red (Freeman), the prison entrepeneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner.

The Freak's Rating: A+ : When I sat down to write this review, I figured I'd take an interesting approach since praising a work of art like this is very easy.  I decided I'd try to find flaws in the film, enough flaws to merit any rating less than an A+.  So here goes:

1. When the warden offers Tommy a Marlboro just before he is shot, the pack has Marlboro miles on it (not around in 1965 or 66)

2. When the warden comes into the cell the morning after the escape, the poster covering the hole is fastened down on all four corners - impossible to do after squeezing into the hole.

3. Chess is played with a white square at the right end of the first row. You see the chess board with the stone figures in Andy's cell, and every time there is a black square on the right. Andy would have known better.

4. When they are doing income tax returns, Red makes reference to the April 15 deadline, which back then was March 15th.

So there you have it, 4 fatal flaws, right?  The fact is that this is a perfect film.  The music is sweeping, the character development sublime, the storyline engrossing and the acting terrific.  In a year that saw many great movies including Forrest Gump & Pulp Fiction, Shawshank just had too rough of a road to travel to earn Best Picture.  It receives an honorary one from me, as I think it is perhaps the greatest drama ever created.

Michael's Rating: A+ : What can I say?!  Watching this movie is an excellent way to spend a night of movie watching!!  It also has one of the most memorable quotes of all time,"That was the longest night of my life."  What can I say, I've used that line many many times!!  I give this movie an A+ because of the wonderful acting and terrific storyline!!  A must see atleast once in your life!!

Jennifer M's Rating: A+ : One of the best movies about friendship between men!  I saw the movie first and then read the short story.  You know the movie is awesome when the sound of Morgan Freeman's voice was in my mind while reading the story.  I've seen this movie at least 12 times and could watch it 87 million more times.
 

Jen's Rating: A+ : Everyone should watch this movie at least once in their lifetime.

Brian's Rating: A+ : I just want to back up the previous review with another A+ to make the the average rating stays high.  This is movie is my favorite drama.  It is the ultimate story about when life gives you lemons, then you shoot life in the kneecap with a sawed-off 22.  The story is about a wrongful imprisonment, and how that prisoner copes with his life in prison.  In case somebody has not seen it for some reason, I don't want to give away any plot, but I can safely say that the narration by Morgan Freeman, and flow of the story are superb.

Angie's Rating: A+ : The best drama I have ever seen.  The acting is incredible all the way around.  Just like any good piece of media it pulls you in.  You get lost in their world and feel like you are in it.  It is one of the strongest films I have ever seen.  I still pull this movie out and watch it and I have seen it at least 30 times.  If I had to choose one movie as my favorite, yeah this is it.  :) 

The Shou's Rating: A+ : Well this is got to be up there in the greatest movies of ALL time. It is an amazing film. It is one of those rare gems where almost everything fits into place and works beautifully. The setting: an beautiful old prison which the film is set. The storyline: Although rather basic story its used very well. The acting: Superb, The vacant and mysterious Andy (Tim Robbins) and the marvelous Red (Morgan Freeman).

I especially like the escape, how everything that happens throughout the movie just slots together.

The only criticism (only 1) is the part when Red is out but still hasn't  seen Andy yet. That part in my opinion is the only not-perfect part as it sort of takes to long it makes you think "Hurry up and reunite with Andy".

Otherwise top-notch a excellent film. I highly recommended it to anyone.  

Sebastian's Rating: A : I saw this movie quite a long time ago, but had to pull it out of ym DVD collection one more time before reviewing it.

The Shawshank Redemtion reminds us all about faith. It starts off so slowly, making you wonder whether Andy is innocent or not. I, on one hand honestly thought he was guilty. I thought this would turn out like fight club where he has two split personalities or something, however The shawshank Redemtion delivers something much more special... something magical.

Top perfomances from Tim robbins and Morgan Freeman. I do reccommened this movie to everyone who's in for a good drama, and for everyone out there who liked this movie, will love the green mile. And, just like the green mile, you'll appreciate it even more the second time round.

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