The Shawshank Redemption (DVD, 1999)

While not a box office hit, this movie is a favorite of many viewers, and has achieved the distinction of being one of the best classic films of all time.

"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'..." , and the choices made by Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) are what make this movie long, yet thrilling. Based on the Stephen King short story "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption," Frank Darabont succeeds in making this film so powerful that viewers often mention watching it 5, 10, even 20 times or more.

Filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory,(a historic Ohio prison built between 1886 and 1910 that remained in operation until 1972) "Shawshank" is much more than "a prison movie." It is film about hope, and of an undying friendship that develops between the rich, white, innocent, young banker, Andy, and "Red, (Morgan Freeman) a black convicted murderer and prison hustler.

This film is a must see.
And...the title of that opera song playing in the prison yard?
It's Duettino - Sull'aria from the Marriage of Figaro.

There are no ghosts nor strange goings on in this movie, which illustrates prison life and its effects on its inhabitants. We have Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins in a memorable performance), falsely convicted of murder, who meets up with various prisoners, some of whom are forgettable and others are timeless. The most unforgettable is Red (Morgan Freeman), who smuggles in items for the prisoners like a Sears-Roebuck catalog, and James Whitmore, the librarian with the pet bird that grows into a huge hawk. Then there is Hayward, the prisoner who checks out Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" from the library and refers to the author as Dumb Ass. But what is so unforgettable about this movie is the theme of "hope"--hope to get out of prison mainly. But what happens to the prisoners when they get out is not always so good.

You will be mesmerized by Andy (Tim Robbins), who hides a getaway hole behind a Rita Hayworth ("Gilda") poster and then a Marily Monore poster ("Seven Year Itch") and finally a Raquel Welch ("One Million Years B. C.")poster. What he also does to win over the warden and his assistants is also worth watching. He uses a lot of psychology and accounting knowledge, but then turns it around against them. For anyone with an accounting background, it is so satisfying because we are on the side of the prisoners anyway. But there are frightening moments too--especially a few rape scenes especially of Andy.

This is an unforgettable movie. This is one that will stay high on your all time favorites list. You will never guess that Stephen King wrote the book called "Rita Haworth and the Shawshank Redemption."

This movie was nominated for 7 Academy Awards. Morgan Freeman for Best Actor. In addition, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound. It won none. This was the year for the "Forrest Gump sweep."

This movie is a wonderful example of art imitating life as we are transported into the life experience of Andy Dufresne. Andy, played by Tim Robbins, is a young successful banker who has been charged with the murders of his wife and her lover. Andy has to adjust to prison life. But this is not an easy task. Andy is innocent, in many ways, concerning life in and out of prison. He makes friends with other inmates, especially Red, played by the indominable Morgan Freeman. While being innocent about prison life, Andy is a quick learner and learns how to manipulate the system to not only survive but to thrive. While he is imprisoned wrongfully, he is eventually vindicated. But its how he is vindicated that makes the whole movie worth while.

I think that this is one of the movies that is played to much on cable "back to back". Despite this, I continue to watch it and enjoy it every time. I love Morgan Freeman in almost any movie he is in. I think that this movie sheds some light on what prison life was like back in the 1940's.

When you watch this movie you start to feel as thought you are friends with the characters. Tim Robbins character, Andy, strikes a chord on ones heart strings. Through out most of the movie you wonder if he is guilty or innocent. At the end you get your answer.

The ending of the movie is good. I hate movies that leave you hanging and have you thinking "Well that was stupid". This one goes all the way to the end. You will fall in love with the cast and will probably watch it more than once. God knows I have seen it well over 10 times.

One of a kind, stands alone movie. The casting of Morgan Freeman (who narrates) and Tim Robbins could not be matched. This movie is a sleeper
beginning with enough intrigue, like a symphany, of a single english horn,
if the audience is thinking of leaving, "I'll wait until after this...it's
sort of nice,interesting". Within 1/2 hour not a soul is moving, eyes and heart riveted to the screen. I saw this once one may think, but those are
the eyes wide with the suspense, still wondering how all was pulled off.
As sly as Tim Robbin's character, never a rip made as he methodically
wrecks havoc upon an unethical warden, while remaking a life he fully intends
to enjoy, and with all the luxuries. Freeman, it would appear is a provider
and spectator. He's the wise brilliance that knew Robbins was a genuis and
kindred spirit on his first moments in the prison. Film released in 1999
could not be remade, it was so perfectly made the 1st time. No sequel except
watching it over and over. What a great moving.! pipercub1221