"The Shawshank Redemption" was directed by Frank Darabont and released in 1994. It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, but won absolutely nothing because 1994 was "Forrest Gump"'s year and that won everything possible, just about. "The Shawshank Redemption" also was a complete box office flop. We learn from this that box office success or lack thereof does not have any correlation with the quality of a film. "The Shawshank Redemption" is one of the greatest American films. It is practically flawless. Any possible flaws that exist are completely overshadowed by everything that is amazing about the movie. It stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins...two exceptionally great actors. Morgan Freeman is my personally favorite of all time...as far as living actors go...just a fun fact. They are both in the Shawshank prison. Morgan Freeman plays Red, who gets there about a decade before Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins). Both are in for murder, only Andy did not kill his wife and her lover as the court ruled. Red and Andy become best friends and the chemistry between the two actors is fantastic and the interaction and dialogue just work so well. Andy is determined to escape from the prison and spends a good couple decades of life doing so...the movie covers the span of several years which was done very nicely, including a picture of a different pin-up girl on Andy's cell wall for each decade that had gone by. The acting in this movie is great...even by those who are not the two leads. The storyline is compelling, interesting, and perfectly paced. Every scene has a purpose and it never feels dragged out. The cinematography is beautiful, with some great shots of the prison from varying views and just, visually great camera work everywhere in the movie. "The Shawshank Redemption" is essentially a perfect movie. If you haven't seen it yet, then by all means go out and buy it because one viewing of this modern classic simply is not enough. It takes time to soak in just how great it is. Plus, who doesn't love a great Morgan Freeman movie?
-Joseph Sbrilli
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