The Shawshank Redemption

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. (25/12/2002)

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. (13/08/2008)

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. (13/08/2012)

Salvation lies within. A marvelous, no, perfect adaptation of a story with the same title by Stephen King to the movie screen. A feature movie debut and one of the best movies in history. Everything here is perfect and of the highest possible quality. From unforgettable acting performances (for most involved these are the performances of their lives) through the director, the music, the camerawork... Simply everything without exception, thank you very much. There’s nothing to criticize here - everything is simply exactly as it should be. Ingenious, flawless, unforgettable and an captivating emotional experience. That’s The Shawshank Redemption for you. (20/01/2007)

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. (27/05/2002)