The Shawshank Redemption [1995]

When The Shawshank Redemption was released in 1994, some critics complained that this popular prison drama was too long to sustain its plot. 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.

Tim Robbins plays a banker named Andy who is sent to Shawshank Prison on a murder charge, but as he gets to know a life-term prisoner named Red (Morgan Freeman), we soon realise his claims of innocence are credible. We also realise 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 (which movie lovers count among their all-time favourites) that signalled the arrival of a promising new filmmaker.

On the DVD: The Shawshank Redemption limited-edition release contains the complete 48-minute documentary "Shawshank: The Redeeming Feature", including interviews with all the principal cast and crew; plus more interview material and the theatrical trailer. --Jeff Shannon

People will say wait next Xmas for the 2 disk Special Edition, but do you really want all those extras that, the more you see of them, reminds you that this film is just a product rather than a religion it appears to be today. For these reasons I urge you to buy this smaller release for its simplicity and sincerity.

Thanks, now you can go to the 'No' option on the 'was this review helpful to you?'!!


impressive and powerful, one of the best movies of all times...   June 1, 2007
H. Serkan SILAHSOR (Ankara, TURKEY)
35 out of 36 found this review helpful

Among my ten most favorite movies. I must have seen it about five or six times, and I've got more and more enjoyment with each viewing. Undoubtedly, "Shawshank Redemption" is a nonpareil piece of cinema on all counts: impeccable cinematography, brilliant casting, wonderful story-telling and flawless directing.

The movie is about life, hope, freedom and friendship. Combining the masterful acting skills of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, Frank Darabont blends empathy with brutal physical and emotional violence to the best possible effects. The chemistry and bond between Robbins and Freeman is unforgettable.

I recommend everyone who has not seen this to grab it ASAP. Contrary to the movie, this edition is such a "bare to bones" disc, with nearly no special features. I must say that 3-disc edition is really amazing with superb picture and sound quality with hours of extras which are particularly well made and thoughtful, and considerably enrich the viewing experience.


A wonderful film   November 10, 2005
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I'd heard a great deal of hype about this film, so 10 years after its release, I finally caved in and watched it. I'm so glad I did. I found it difficult to watch at first because of the portrayal of the brutal conditions inside Shawshank prison. But the film then develops into a moving and inspiring portrayal of how these prisoners win little victories against the system. The ending is one of the best I've seen in any film. I warmly recommend you rent it.


All-time favourite   March 21, 2004
Saira (UK)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

The Shawshank Redemption is without doubt my favourite film of all time. Anyone who claims that they were not moved by this film is either lying or has a heart of stone. The story is of a man imprisoned at Shawshank Prison for the murder of his wife, which he did not commit. The film guides the audience through his years in incarceration and often solitary confinement, the prejudice, the abuse and the injustice in the prison system, and delivers an ending so powerful and so surprising that it must be hailed as the greatest ending to a film of all time.

There is not an actor in this film who doesnt deliver a commendable performance, and the two lead cast members shine. The film has everything that you would want from a good movie- great acting, action, a thrilling storyline, tension and suspense, a satisfying ending and great cinematography.

This moving film should be in every movie-lover's DVD collection, as it is still enyoyable to watch for the 15th time!


Don't do it!   February 6, 2004
Gutted (UK)
10 out of 27 found this review helpful

About the finest film I have ever seen which makes this DVD all the more heartbreaking. The original Region2 release of this is terrible. Its double sided with a 4:3 pan and scan hatchet job on one side and a grimey, 16:9 version on the other. The menus and features are rubbish and its only got a Dolby 2.0 soundtrack. A terrible way to treat a great film.