How good is this fucking movie?
Not a huge financial success when it was first released in theaters, I think it's safe to say that Shawshank has become a cult classic with constant showings on cable television, but it's one of those movies that when it's on, you have to watch it. Based on a short story by Stephen King, it's currently rated #1 on IMdB on the top 250 - and, for once, I can't argue.
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are as good as it gets in this one. Robbins' low key, barely audiable performance is perfect for the stoic ex-banker turned convict. It's his "Doc Holiday role" in that he'll never be in anything as good for the rest of his career. Freeman is always pretty solid and he's extremely likable in this one as Red, Andy's best friend.
The entire movie is well written, but it's the ending that seals the deal on this one. This ending is right up there with The Sixth Sense...maybe even better in that the first time you watch it, it catches you completely off-guard, but it totally makes sense in its explanation and there are clues along the way. In fact, when you think about all the things that happened earlier in the film, leading to the escape, it blows your mind how well the entire film was constructed.
And then the movie takes on a completely different form when you watch it the second time. The scene where the warden inspects Andy's cell is much more dramatic, considering you know what's at stake for Andy. And the fact that the warden ignores the poster and nearly leaves with Andy's Bible makes the ending that much more satisfying.
It's just an amazing moment when Andy exits that pipe and spills out into the river. And he rips off his shirt and we're looking down on him with the rain pounding against his chest. And in that moment, we feel what he feels: freedom.
Why It's Awesome: A wonderful tale of the power of hope and redemption, even in the darkest of places. Acting, writing, and direction all solid. Dialogue is top-notch. I still get goosebumps during the scene between Andy and Red talking in the yard right before Andy's escape...goosebumps...
Best Quote: It comes down to a simple choice: Either get busy living...or get busy dying.
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