The Shawshank Redemption

One of the reasons I’m eternally grateful to be alive and sentient. The Shawshank Redemption, a work of art that moves you, shocks you and makes you laugh; a film whose every shot, dialogue and musical note I would cut out separately and place in a sacred box to which I would go every night to pray and pay silent tribute. A humanistic creation worthy of God Himself, a gripping story with the most important, thoughtful and emotionally dimensional message. I ask for the possibility of awarding not five, nor seven, but at least ten stars in this case... (09/18/2011)

In essence, an inconspicuous film, which had below-average attendance at the time of its release, and was saved from box office failure only by an Oscar nomination. For me, one of the best films ever and undoubtedly the best adaptation of a literary work by Stephen King. Excellent acting performances and cast, superbly built atmosphere and plot progression. Alongside the actors, the impressive experience is also shaped by the prison environment itself, which the film crew had to search for a suitable location for a really long time. A beautiful story about human hope and an incredibly strong character. I have practically nothing to criticize, so the overall impression is 100%. (01/12/2007)

I hesitated for a long time about whether I should admit it or not and I decided that I should. I cried at the end of The Shawshank Redemption. Not that I was crying like a baby, but still, no other film ever managed to do that. Can I give a film that achieved something like that anything less than five stars? No, and I would give it more if I could. Right now I’m incapable of producing a longer review, but I can say with a clear conscience that this is the most beautiful film I’ve seen so far… and Darabont is a genius. (08/13/2008)

A timeless masterpiece that skillfully weaves a tale of hope, friendship, and redemption. The acting brings depth and humanity to their characters, making the story truly unforgettable. Thomas Newman's hauntingly beautiful score perfectly complements the film's emotional journey, elevating the experience to a higher level. Simply a profound and heartwarming exploration of the human spirit. (08/13/2012)

I was dumbstruck at the “showing of the cards” and remained in a state of indescribable chilling ecstasy until the closing credits. I didn’t know if I should cry, jump for joy or just sit quietly and savor what had just been conveyed to me. After getting home from the cinema, I turned off the lights, put on Thomas Newman’s soundtrack, lay down and tried to hold on to that ecstasy for as long as possible. The Shawshank Redemption is a film that slowly introduces you to the two main and a few supporting characters behind prison walls, in a world with its own rules, and then explains to you what their coming together in that place of pain and hopelessness has given them. It is a film about “hope that gives us wings”, a film with the most surprising, most powerful and most beautiful ending ever. (05/27/2002)