Shawshank Redemption (1994)

When this popular prison drama was released in 1994, some critics complained that the movie was too long (142 minutes) to sustain its story. Those complaints miss the point, because the passage of time is crucial to this story about patience, the squeaky wheels of justice, and the growth of a life-long friendship. Only when the film reaches its final, emotionally satisfying scene do you fully understand why writer-director Frank Darabont (adapting a novella by Stephen King) allows the story to unfold at its necessary pace, and the effect is dramatically rewarding. Tim Robbins plays a banker named Andy who's sent to Shawshank Prison on a murder charge, but as he gets to know a life-term prisoner named Red (Morgan Freeman), we realize there's reason to believe the banker's crime was justifiable. We also realize that Andy's calm, quiet exterior hides a great reserve of patience and fortitude, and Red comes to admire this mild-mannered man who first struck him as weak and unfit for prison life. So it is that The Shawshank Redemption builds considerable impact as a prison drama that defies the conventions of the genre (violence, brutality, riots) to illustrate its theme of faith, friendship, and survival. Nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Actor, and Screenplay, it's a remarkable film that signaled the arrival of a promising new filmmaker--a film that many movie lovers count among their all-time favorites. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

shawshank redemption

Even thought the billing and shipping address was mixed up my wife still received it promptly, and was able to forward it. November 16, 2008

one of the world's finest examples of incredible movie-making

this is my favorite movie of all time. it truly is an amazing story that captures and keeps your attention throughout. it is truly a masterpiece. i haven't purchased this particular version of the movie, so i dont know how good the quality is, but if you have any doubts about the quality of the specific disc being sold here i am fairly positive it is excellent quality. but if you do have doubts simply go buy the disc from an actual store, or an online movie store that specifically sells new, unopened movies. fantastic film. i suggest buying this movie, you will love it. November 12, 2008

Movie Making/Story Telling... At It's Best!!!

If you're looking for thrills, action, and or hollywood effects, this won't be your movie yet if you enjoy storytelling... WOW!!!

Everyone has their "ONE" story... something that changes ones perspective on how they view things and or what the meaning of things are; like your first encounter with taste, a smell, the stars, a train, a butterfly, etc... it all remains relative to your perception and takes on its meaning in your life and the world in which you live.

This is such a story... two men's journey or better said, "One man's first impression of another man and then ultimately both their journey's".

This story starts as all stories do... meeting a few characters yet in this movie you watch Andy Dufrane (Robbins) develop both through the camera's eye and then through Red's eyes (Freeman)! Bottom line? This is a story of how one mans life is changed by another mans struggle with his [yet] ironically both are in prison for life ...so time isn't an issue.

To do this story justice it has to be told slowly [so] yes, as when all view a movie for the first time I too thought, "This is way too slow and drawn out!! What is this movie leading up too?" To my amazement and enjoyment I hung in there because I have to say,"When it was all over I knew I had seen a movie like no other before it... you will cheer and appreciate this movie as it draws near to its end.

The real cool part? This movie holds a surprise twist near its end - that no one - not even Red ever expected!!!

-- What a wonderful way to end this movie!!! EXCELLENT!!! AWESOME!!! BRAVO!!! November 8, 2008

This is one of my top 5 movies of all time

I don't give many movies a perfect 5 but I would give this a perfect 10 if I could. If there were ever a movie that has it all, its this one. Great Story, Great actors, Great and believable plot. The dialogue is also on par with some of the best movies I have ever seen. At least on par with Gladiator, Pelican Brief and others. I've watched this movie at least a dozen times and I can't wait for Blue Ray to come out because I will buy it again. November 6, 2008

A stunning film!

This is a truly great film, it really involves the viewer and tells a great story about an unjustly convicted man and his struggles in jail. It's got a lot of very moving moments and has a very human story at the centre.

I'd recommend this to anyone as a must see film, and it has enough in it to make it worth watching several times. An excellent film. November 4, 2008

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