Review of The Shawshank Redemption (1994) by Kai82 — 28 Aug 2020

It is simply the best movie ever made for me. It is also the one case where the movie adaptation is significantly better than the already excellent book (A short story). It is based on Stephen Kings story “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.

It is the story of Andy Dufresne who is sentenced to a life long detention while claiming to be innocent. Over the years he befriends Ellis Redding a fellow inmate. It is a story full of friendship, emotions and spiritual abysses.

I cant spoil anything of the story because this would be a crime. I had often tears in my eyes and cried at the end. I have never seen a movie of this caliber. This is delivered by the great cast. Must I even praise the legendary Morgan Freeman? There is the quote “There is no bad movie with Morgan Freeman” and it is absolute valid.

He should have much more Oscars. Then there is Tim Robbins who challenges even Morgan Freeman in this movie. But it did not end here. Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown and Gil bellows are also excellent. Then there is the set.

They used the real life Ohio State Reformatory that was closed shortly before. It gives a good scenery and adds realism. I must also talk about the score. Thomas Newman should be praised for his masterful additions that enhance the scenes while also take nothing away.

I should not forget the writer and director Frank Darabont because without a great script and a talented director no great movie can ever be made. He put all pieces together. What should I say. This movie is universally praised, it is since 2008 the best movie on IMDb and on nearly all all time favorites list.

I have yet to find anyone who dislikes the movie genuinely. Overall this is as close to perfection as possible.