"Shawshank Redemption" (1994) - RE-WATCH

Rank on the AFI List: #72

Synopsis (according to IMDB.com)
Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.

LET ME EXPLAIN...
I remember seeing this movie for the first time on cable television.  I was in high school, it came out about five years earlier, and I didn't really know much about it.  After I watched it, it was on my mind practically nonstop for several days, along with the thought: "that was such a good movie!"  Ergo, this has been one of my absolute favorite movies ever since.

The casting is terrific, the story compelling, and the characters are easy to like and really care about - even if they are convicted felons.  The examination of Fear and Hope is also well done, as there are plenty of "I never want to go to prison after seeing that" moments, right alongside several scenes that give me goosebumps and make me think "what a great moment".  I love this movie.

What makes this a "Top 100" Movie?
This is one where I firmly believe the story was simply too good to not be recognized as one of the best in film.  I mean, what other movie could involve prison life and a river of s*** and leave audiences feeling so good??  "Shawshank Redemption" is superbly acted, paces well, and was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.

Complaints?
I always feel sad when it ends.  Not with how it ends, but I come to love the characters so much that I want to stay with them and see where their stories go.  I guess that could be considered more a kudos to the film for its character development and storytelling ability, but I still feel like complaining that this movie has to end.

LET ME SUM UP...
Great story.  Great characters.  Great themes.  Great acting.  Great direction.  Great screenplay.  Great movie.

MY RATING: 10/10 (no change from my previous rating)

1 comment:

wanderingbtrfly said...

I've been meaning to watch this one again; I remember loving it the last time I saw it. Thanks for the reminder!
(And I love your complaint that it had to end. ;P )