Rating: 
Summary: Simply Breathtaking
Review: Not many movies will capture your heart and soul like this one. Wonderful performances, writing, editing and scenery come together to create one of the best dramas ever put on film. If you see one prison movie in your life make it this one. For a great true prison story that has all the inspiration of Shawshank read "Against All Hope" by Armando Valladares.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific!
Review: Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman present a fabulous story. Based on a Stephen King short prison story. Acting and directing both excellent.
Rating:
Summary: Authentic adaptation of prison life
Review: The scenes from within the walls were just as it is (was) today. The inside violence, the black market, and corruption are true to life. Andy's cool attitude and determination capture your heart and get you to feel his pain and dispair. When Brooks lost it when his parole came through demonstrated how "institutionalized" one can get after so long in captivity. I strongly recommend this to the strong at heart, for the authenticity of the violence is not for the weak stomach. The length of the movie is needed to create the mood of the film and anything shorter would cheat the movie watcher of the feel of the film. I can't rate this film high enough. A must see!
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT PERFORMACES AND STORYLINE!!!!!!
Review: You will definately love this movie. I first saw it when I took my mom to see it on her b-day in 1994. We both loved it. Excellent drama. One of the best dramas I ever seen. It makes The Green Mile look like crap. This movie is the best jail movie ever!!!! Excellent performances by both Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. I would definately have to say that this is one of Morgans best films!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect.
Review: I agree with miramaxfan. This is one of those movies where I wouldn't change a thing. I'm a pretty picky movie-goer. I like quality in a movie, in every aspect. Sure I have my favorites among the silly and cheesy films, but for the most part, I'm a tough critic. I find myself without words to properly describe it. It's a prison movie, yet it's more about freedom than anything-- freedom of both mind and body. It's about the little things in our lives that make us truly free. My favorite scene in the movie is the one where Andy (Tim Robbins) receives the shipment of library materials and locks himself in the warden's office so he can play a record. It is an aria from "The Marriage of Figaro" and he turns on the loudspeakers so all the men in the yard can hear it too. Red (Morgan Freeman) says "I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don't want to know. Some things are better left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful it can't expressed in words, and it makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream. It was as if some beautiful bird had flapped into our drab little cage and made these walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last man in Shawshank felt free." Gives me goosebumps everytime. And everytime I see this movie it makes be cry a bit, laugh a bit, and most of all be thankful for my everyday freedom.
Rating:
Summary: Movies just aren't this good...
Review: The first time I saw this movie, I knew that it would be a classic. There was a magic surrounding the creation of this piece of artistry that can only be marveled at. I have seen it probably five or six times, and each time I see it, a deep sense of contentment comes over me, and I remember that being alive means having hope. I really feel that this movie being created is a miracle and a gift to the human race. YES, it is THAT good!!!
Rating:
Summary: outstanding
Review: You have to see it!!!!! There is a God!!!!!!!!! You will also remamber what treasures of life realy are !!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Story
Review: One of the greatest stories on screen with wonderful acting.
Rating:
Summary: In 20 Years, This One Will Be Considered LEGENDARY
Review: Leonard Maltin must've seen a different movie than the one audiences around the world fell in love with. Overlong? I was enraptured...by a prison drama no less! Predictable? Leonard must be psychic, because no one I've experienced this film with has anticipated its sheer emotional impact. Easily one of the best films Hollywood has ever released, Shawshank gave voice to anyone who has ever felt cheated, deprived or un-free. Americans take freedom for granted and as a Cuban immigrant, this film resonated for me in ways I can't even begin to list! From its memorable characters and incredible performances, to its shocking ending and impeccable production values, I believe Shawshank will eventually find a comfortable place on everyone's TOP TEN FILMS OF ALL TIME LIST if critics like Maltin really truly understood what an audience needs in order to feel connected and touched. Critics of this movie, at least for me, lack an emotional connection that isn't scripted, but rather...FELT. Disturbing, visceral, audacious yet real, and deeply touchingly grand, "Shawshank" blew me away. Other, more celebrated flicks may have their moments, but as a complete whole, this is easily one of the most beautifully realized buddy-movies ever made. Forget "Forrest Gump." Dismiss "Driving Miss Daisy." Few films are as unfortgettable, or as powerful as these 148 minutes. Share it with your kids....PLEASE. The morals and values that Darabount and his characters deliver are worth their weight in gold....a stunning achievement!
Rating:
Summary: Cinematic Perfection
Review: Wow! When I think of "The Shawshank Redemption", I see it as the most perfectly made movie I have ever seen, flat out! True, it is only my personal third favorite film behind "Heart and Souls" and "Forrest Gump", but I do see it as the best movie ever made for it's crafty storytelling. The progression of the characters and the messages throughout this film weave such a strong and profound story that it will leave you breathless. And Morgan Freeman's narration gives such REALISTIC heart that it has the power to touch ANYONE, not just people looking to be touched. Sharp, fresh, and thoroughly powerful!
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