Rating: Summary: Simply the Best Review: How do I write a review for this phenomenal movie without parroting the words of some of the other viewers? I don't think any of us can really do it justice. I too was skeptical about paying money to see a film based on a Steven King story but this film is a testament to his talent for creating characters and situation that demand the empathy of the viewing/reading audience. All I can say is that SHAWSHANK is simply one of the best American films ever made. It is flawlessly cast, scripted, and photographed. Even after six viewings this bittersweet story about injustice, cruelty, and friendship still retains it's meaning. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman deserved Academy Awards for their portrayls of convicts struggling to survive and maintain a sense of hope and dignity. The added bonuses on this DVD version is well worth the price.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Review: The only thing I can say about The Shawshank Redemption is that is was brilliant, one of the best (if not the best) films I have ever seen. Everything from the plot and the characters to, well, everything was fantastic. You must have this.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Movie, not enough stars for this one! Review: Awesome movie! Tim Robbins is found guilty of a crime he did not commit. He is locked up in Shawshank for life. "Red" puts his money on "Andy" (Tim Robbins) to crack and wind up balling his first night in. He doesn't and they slowly become friends because Andy needs stuff and Red is the man to get it. They continue talking and Andy and Red slowly become inseperable and little does Red know what Andy is doing. Andy is working for the warden as his book keeper(he was a banker on the outside) and really kept the books. (Watch the movie to find out) Andy is using the stuff Red gives him to hide some of Andy's hobbies. I do not want to give away the best ending in any movie I have ever seen. The ending is worth the price of purchase because you will have never seen anything like it.
Rating: Summary: A fantastic film of the human spirit Review: This is truely a rare film, where the triumph of the human spirit shines through. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are absolutely superb in this movie and all of the other supporting actors make this film worth watching over and over again. It shows the worst of the human spirit and how it ruins a person completely to showing the best of the human spirit and how it can redeem and cleanse a mans soul even in the worst possible conditions. The narration by Freeman during the movie adds even more to the overall story. This was brilliantly adapted from Stephen King's short story, and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to see a brilliant piece of film making.
Rating: Summary: where is it? Review: Great movie........but where in DVD's name is the special edition?
Rating: Summary: Say What Tineo! Incredible movie Review: I know I am not alone when I say this, but after seeing this movie probably 20 times or so, the ending still makes me feel like no movie ever has. I never get tired of the sequence leading up to the beach. The ending was perfect, and I think the director purposely set it up so that all of us are dying to go down to the beach and hug Andy and Red.
Rating: Summary: The essential film of modern cinema,and 1 of of best period! Review: One of the best films to come out. When it was released in 1994, it lost credit to the ever pop-culture appealing, Tom Hanks fueled film Forrest Gump (not a bad movie, but come on) this movie had far better storytelling, acting, impact and endurance. Now I am glad to see people stand up and really embrase The Shawshank Redemption in all it's glory. Tim Robbins is brilliant as the character of Andy Dufrense who personifies hope, patience and persistence, during his long spent time in Shawshank Prison for a double murder, in which he was framed.This is basically what The Fugitive would have been if the bus didn't crash, with Kimble escaping. Morgan Freeman is beyond brilliant as Ellis "Red" Redding who personifies friendship and a great heart, and has a really heart warming ending narration.And it's about time to mention his narration throughout the move which is perhaps the best ever, only rivaled by Robert De Niro's narrations in Taxi Driver. This film works as both a character study and a feel-good movie.When Forrest Gump becomes less respected, this deserving contender will rise even higher! Has it all! 1. Historical Importance 2.Defenitive or career making performances. 3.Excellent big-screen directorial debut. 4.Great ending. 5.Realism. 6.Escapism(now how is that possible, well it is!) 7.The ability to extract a strong emotional reaction in which many movies can't.(Even from somebody who found "Seven easy to watch, and not bothered by gore, like in Blade) 8.The cult following this film has recieved speaks for itself. Pure cinematic art and entertainment rolled into one brilliant film!
Rating: Summary: A Lesson for All - Use the System Review: The Shawshank Redemption and Schindler's List have a common theme: Using the system to achieve one's goal. In the case of Oscar Schindler, he used the corrupt NAZI government system to save lives. In the Shawshank Redemption, banker Tim Robbins (Andy) is convicted of a double-murder -- killings that he did not commit. Tim Robbins (Andy) realizes that bucking the system will only get him hurt. So, Tim Robbins decides to use his time constructively. That is, instead of rocking the boat and causing problems, he uses the corrupt and brutal prison system to his benefit. Eventually, by being the model, helpful prisoner; he earns the trust of the crooked prison warden and the cruel, brutal jailers. This opens the door for Robbins's escape Sure, we can focus on Andy's escape from prison. However, this is not the point of the film. The lesson in this movie is on using time constructively to work within a given system, not against it. Working against a system gets you branded as a trouble maker, a ne'er-do-well, a radical; and, eventually, it could get you thrown in jail, or worse. You can accomplish more by working within a system -- no matter how corrupt, cruel, or brutal -- to achieve a desired goal; to make a difference -- as in the case of Oscar Schinder and Andy. This movie is definitely worth watching more than one time. The film does not drag on; it moves along at a decent pace. While watching this film, you will see how Tim Robbins uses the system to his benefit. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman put on a stellar performance. Good movie. . . .Good Acting. . . Good Lesson. . . Good fun.
Rating: Summary: Wow. Review: Man, not too many of Stephen King's movies turn out like this. But you know...Stephen King is one frightening writer even when he's not trying to be scary. King can scare you because no matter what he wants to write, it will turn out to be one of the most amazing books written. Which will then become one great movie. This one is no exception. Tim Robbins plays an innocent thrown into prison and befriends an old man (Morgan Freeman). The things Robbins does in this movie just keep it so interesting, and Freeman's narrating over the entire movie is just great. This is one of those "must watch" movies. You'll be smiling when this one ends, I promise you.
Rating: Summary: I'm impressed Review: This is brilliant. I have seen it twice and I recommend it to all my friends. Tim Robbins plays a banker (Andy) that was sentenced to prison for killing his wife and lover, whose quiet demeanor was a cover for his iron-will, determination and inner strength. Morgan Freeman, plays friend and cell mate, Red, represents the rest of us, who are on a journey to discover what made Andy tick. Both actors put up an excellent performance that keeps one enthralled in the film, wanting to know everything they do, think, and how they develop over the course of their years in prison. The irony in this film struck me most. From the little ironies such as whether Andy really murdered his wife, to the secret behind his "obsession" with movie star posters. It was subtly presented with maximum impact. I have read Stephen King's book and I think that this film is a very good film portrayal of his writing with charaters that adhere closely to the book, and are very well-explored by the two experienced actors. Definitely worth watching.
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