Every time I watch `The Shawshank Redemption' my first thought upon its closing is `how in the world did this lose the Best Picture Oscar to `Forrest Gump'?'. In all honesty there really is no comparison when you look at the two films. One is a generic feel good film wrapped in saccharine clichés and the other, this one, is a magnificent character study that slowly yet poignantly captures the very essence of life.

No comparison.

`The Shawshank Redemption' begins with banker Andy Dufresne being wrongfully accused of murdering his wife and her lover. He is sentenced to two life sentences (due to his cold demeanor) to be served at Shawshank correctional institution. He is immediately pegged as a weakling, not build for survival within the prison walls, but Andy soon turns heads as he proves those presumptions false. Not only is he built for survival, but his presence ultimately helps the other inmates survive as well. The film focuses on Andy and fellow inmate Red as they build a friendship that will last them forever, each of them learning from and teaching each other about life and what you make of it. Red has been in prison a time now and has a lot to teach Andy about life within the prison walls, but in the end it is Andy's lessons of hope that bring a new light to Red's eyes.

When watching `The Shawshank Redemption' I am constantly in awe at its power. There is not a single aspect of this film that feels off kilter or missing; in fact I cannot think of a single flaw to write about. It's hard when a film is this astonishing, for how can you really critique it, and no one wants to read redundant praising that lasts paragraph after paragraph.

I will praise it though, and hopefully these praises don't find themselves repetitious.

The first major selling point to this film is the script, which beautifully captures the genuine emotional state of the men involved. You have the fear and hopelessness that corrupts the minds of the newly incarcerated, as well as the comfortable contentment that glosses over those fears as you adjust to life on the inside. You have the greed and selfishness that infiltrates the eyes of those with power, and the disgust and resentment that permeates the air. What I think is brought out to perfection is the displacement that shatters the lives of those `lifers' who find themselves out on parole, living amidst the rest of the world and unable to adjust to this freedom that feels to foreign to them. Every single emotion bubbles to the surface and captivates the audience.

Seriously people; `Forrest Gump'?

From a technical standpoint, this film is superb. The camera angles and close framed cinematography is stunning and helps capture each of the emotions the script so wonderfully fleshes out. You audience can feel the restraint and claustrophobia that the characters feel emotionally, expounding upon the already deeply rooted emotional resonance. The score, the lighting, the mood, the direction; everything helps elevate the film and create a magnificent cinematic experience.

And then, there is the acting.

Much praise has been given to Morgan Freeman for his powerful and moving portrayal of Red, but one cannot single out Freeman without mentioning Tim Robbins who serves as the emotional and moral clutch of the whole film. Without his riveting performance the film would have failed to amount to all that it has become. As Andy, Robbins brilliantly sifts through his emotional response to his surroundings, capturing his misery but never losing his hope, even when all feels lost. Freeman is the perfect compliment to Robbins, cycling though Red's loyalty and admiration as well as his experienced emotional callousness. They are the perfect pair and in all honestly should have BOTH been nominated at the Academy Awards.

The long list of supporting players is also exceptional, from Clancy Brown's diabolical Captain Hadley to the slew of inmates that inhabit Shawshank. William Sadler is memorable as Heywood, and James Whitmore is devastatingly real as Brooks. His sub-plot regarding his release is one of the most resounding moments in the film. Gil Bellows has a nice turn as Tommy, a young spunky rookie who makes an impact on the lives of Andy and Red; but when we are speaking of supporting players the one that stands out the most is none other than Bob Gunton. His portrayal of the sinister Warden Norton is flawless. He creeps up on you slowly, tearing at your nerves, and when he finally comes out and nails Andy with the bluntest of threats you are utterly blown away.

In the end I am ashamed that the Academy went for generic and happy over meaningful and moving. `The Shawshank Redemption' is not only the greatest film of 1994, but it is possibly one of the greatest films ever made. There is so much to be learned about ourselves and others, so much which is lurking within every crevasse of Shawshank that we cannot just see this film once but are forced to witness its power over and over again.

In the end `The Shawshank Redemption' is about just that; redemption. One is uplifted upon the closing frames, the fact that hope prevails further cemented into their souls. `The Shawshank Redemption' is the perfect example of a perfectly balanced film, one that slowly yet masterfully weaves a tail of humanity, starting with emotional death and ending with an abundance of life.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is a cinematic masterpiece. It is one of my favorite films of all time. I remember loving it the first time that I saw it in the theater. It didn't do that well at the box office, and right after it came out I remember a lot of people had not even heard of it. But over the years it has gotten more and more popular and received greater critical acclaim. I'm glad that it has gotten the recognition it deserves. I guess that is what happens when a movie really is excellent and it receives good word of mouth.

The Shawshank Redemption is based on a novella Stephen King wrote entitled "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". It was published in 1982 in Different Seasons, a collection of four Stephen King short stories. Frank Darabont did a superb job adapting it for the big screen. He wrote the screenplay as well as directed the movie.

The movie begins with Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, being wrongfully convicted of the murder of his wife and lover. He is sent to prison, where he eventually strikes up a friendship with Ellis Boyd Redding (Red) played by Morgan Freeman. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins give excellent and memorable performances.

The quote "Get busy living, or get busy dying" and the tag line "Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free." sum up the major theme of this movie. You're either making the most out of life, or you are just wasting the short time that you have. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to have hope, because to do so can open yourself up to disappointment and heartache. The prisoners at Shawshank State Prison don't allow themselves to have hope for that reason. But Andy Dufresne never gives up on hope, and sets forth on a plan to make his dreams a reality. Will he succeed, and will Red allow himself to have hope as well?

If you haven't seen this movie yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. This is truly a 5 star movie; I would give it more stars if I could. I don't say this lightly, because everyone has different tastes and preferences, but I doubt that you will be disappointed. And if you have already seen it, you'll want to add it to your DVD collection.

I couldn't believe there weren't more reviews on this. This is hands down one of the top movies of all time. If you haven't seen it yet you are truly missing out. Go now to the video store and rent it.

This movie is a classic. The special edition gives interviews with the actors and little known information about the making of the screen-play and film.

Probably one of the top 30 greatest films of all time. Stephen King made one little error though. Andy (Tim Robbins), a smart banker, would not have spoken to the warden (who couldn't do anything legally) about his newly discovered witness to prove that he is innocent. Andy would have gone straight to his lawyer who could have re-opened the case.