The Shawshank Redemption

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)

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)

A little gem of a film that is loudly claiming the top spot in future polls for the best film of all time. If someone asked me what I liked about this film, I would have to tell them everything. From start to finish, a chill made a car track out of my back and by the end a warm feeling of happiness spread through my body. And speaking of the ending, it is equal to The Usual Suspects in terms of surprise, but surpasses it in intensity and emotional impact. If you haven’t seen it and have the chance, do not hesitate, you’ll be richly rewarded. (12/25/2002)

The Shawshank Redemption is a truly amazing movie with a great story, soundtrack, and acting. It also has probably the best ending I have ever seen. The end left me with an amazing feeling, and the whole movie was great to watch. I think it rightfully deserves its place in the list here and in my Top Ten. (04/02/2015)

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)