Yojimbo's Movie Review of The Shawshank Redemption

Rating of
3/4

The Shawshank Redemption

"The Shawshank Redemption" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 03/19/12

Convicted of double homicide and sent to Shawshank prison, Tim Robbins wins the respect of his fellow inmates with guile and quiet dignity. A firm favourite with many since it was released and often featured in Best Film Ever Made lists, The Shawshank Redemption is certainly a very accomplished piece of mainstream film making. Frank Darabont has an excellent eye for imagery and pacing, and the film is very atmospherically lit. The quality cast are all very good, particularly Morgan Freeman as Robbins' best friend. I do have a few small issues with it however. I felt that the villains of the piece were nowhere near as well realized as the inmates, it's a little longer than it really needs to be and the whole thing has the sheen of Hollywood feelgood gloss that prevents it from being as powerful as something like Papillon or even its contemporary Murder In The First. It's definitely a quality film, particularly the sub plot featuring an institutionalized lifer but the best film ever made? I think not.

Recent Comments

Ivona - wrote on 08/28/12 at 06:42 AM CT

The Shawshank Redemption Review comment

Shawshank redemption is such a great movie

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