Anonymous’s Review:
First place at IMDb? Well, honestly, I think it’s a little over the top. I enjoyed watching this film. It is an exciting and entertaining story.
The film includes great characters who are portrayed by even better actors such as Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The plot, music and the message of the film are just as good as the actors.
The somewhat cringy ending bothers me a little, however, is nothing that should make this movie be negatively judged. The Shawshank Redemption is still a very good film, which is mainly due to the excellent acting.
Rating: 4/5
Mr Peake’s Review
Cringey Ending? Seriously? How about brilliant storytelling!
What makes this film truly great is the ability of director Frank Darabont (in his FIRST feature film) to take an unassuming novella and develop into a cinema classic.
It is rare for an English teacher to say that a film is better than the original text, but Shawshank is all that–and more. Compelling characters, surprise twists, a hopeful message of redemption, and a Morgan Freeman voiceover to boot!
Shawshank has earned its place in the rarest of move categories: Re-watchables. I must have watched this a dozen times and I still never tire of how the conflicts and characters both develop and resolve. And while any prison movie by nature is clichéd in some way, in Shawshank it never feels that way. Filmmaking–and storytelling–at its best.
Rating: 5/5
Rohan’s Review:
Shawshank Redemption, a brilliant film directed by Darabont is based on Stephen King’s novel. Some say its the best movie ever made, while others simply enjoy the time they spend watching it. Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, is a strange character, an unconventional prisoner but one who holds his values closer than anything else. A former banker, turned jailbird he secretly masterpieces a prison break, all the while earning respect from both the guards and other prisoners.
Personally, I find this movie extremely exciting. The actors, plot, cinematography. Everything fits together like puzzle pieces. The Shawshank Redemption is a must-see for everyone.
Rating: 4.5/5
Max’s Review:
Dear god what an emotional and amazing story. The chemistry of all of the characters was so strong it might as well have been a documentary of real friends stuck in a prison. The bad guys were evil and the good guys were great. I’ve only seen this once but it may just be one of my favorite movies.
Rating: 5/5
Pedro’s Review:
There are some movies which are obligatory for everyone to watch, some because they convey an important message, others because they are a thrilling and fun story, well, The Shawshank Redemption can do both with almost perfection. Although this movie was almost forgotten by the public in 1994, Frank Darabont’s masterpiece has received its deserved attention overtime, receiving millions of fans over the years, and it is not surprising at all. Beautifully acted by both Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, brilliantly shot through legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins, there isn’t much I can say about this flawless piece of art, but just watch it, and enjoy the ride.
Rating: 5/5