Rating:  -
I'm ashamed to say I didn't see this movie until 2000, but when I did I was utterly blown away by the power of it. While movies are supposed to be an escape from reality, Shawshank does the opposite by putting the viewer in a harsh reality with seemingly no escape from it...yet Andy Dufresne manages to find a way.
While both Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins had some memorable roles before and after this movie, their roles as Red and Andy, respectively, are career-defining roles. In any time period, one can see those who have thrown in the towel after life has dealt them a harsh hand, while others hold onto boundless optimism in spit of the bad hand life has given them so far. The dual story arcs of the prison break, combined with Red's conversion and redemption is a remarkable storytelling achievement.
This movie has personally resonated with me ever since I first saw it nine years ago. Any time I'm down, I'm able to remember and watch Shawshank and ultimately become inspired and full of hope again. I'm grateful that this movie was made, and it's easily my favorite movie.
Rating:  -
I agree with most of the other reviewers. This is a great movie in all respects. But I must point out its similarity to the classic 'Count of Monte Cristo'. An innocent man wrongly convicted and incarcerated in a hellish prison who finds wealth and then has revenge on his accusers. The director presents a subtle hint at this in the scene where the inmates are stocking the library. One of the books being shelved was 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Nothing more to add except it deserves it's place as one of the all time greats.
Rating: -
This is a must see movie. Pay close attention, everything relates back, to something previous in this movie. Based on a book by Stephen King, as always, very entertaining.
Rating: -
Story telling just does not get any better. Steven King's short story was terrific and yet Frank Duramont (director), Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, James Whitmore, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown, Mark Ralston put capture on film the telling of a tale you will want to hear again and again.
It just do not get any better than this.
Rating: -
The movie is excellent as with any version you purchase but blu-ray really adds a new level. The only problem with the dvd is that the highlights are hard to see in some of the menus so navigation of special features can be difficult but once you realize what to look for its not so bad.
|