The Shawshank Redemption | | Cast : | Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman | | Director : | Frank Darabont | | Studio : | Castle Rock | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dolby | | Released Date : | September 23, 1994 | | DVD Released Date : | February 03, 2004 | | Language : | French (Subtitled), English (Dubbed), French (Dubbed), English (Subtitled), English (Original Language), French (Original Language) | | Audience Rating : | R (Restricted) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | August 04, 2005 | | Summary | Best Movie Ever | Content
 | Shawshank Redemption is the only movie I've ever purchased for myself where my kids commandeered the DVD and I subsequently had to purchase the soundtrack so I could listen to the music without watching the movie. The masterful way the story is unfolded through a mixture of real time, flashback and narration by Red (Morgan Freeman) keeps you glued to the screen from beginning to end - even after having seen the film several times. Though I appreciate and acknowledge Tim Robbins' restrained performance as Andy DuFresne and the fact that the supporting cast is consistently outstanding, this is Morgan Freeman's star turn. His expressive face is always a pleasure to watch. Every track of Thomas Newman's soundtrack is evocative and haunting. Several other reviewers have mentioned the shots in the field near Buxton -- you can literally feel the heat shimmer off the screen (subtle background insect sounds here make this scene). No other movie I've ever seen can touch Shawshank Redemption for consistent excellence and thorough attention to detail.
Bottom line: everyone who took part in the making of this film should feel deeply proud of what they produced, and everyone who wants to feel the power of human hope and friendship should see it. I've tried to think of another film that I thought was as compelling and meaningful and the closest I can come is "The Best Years of Our Lives." |
| Rating | | | Date | August 01, 2005 | | Summary | Amazing | Content
| Words cannot describe how masterful this film is. Tim Robins and Morgan Freeman are one of the best duos to ever hit the big screen. They're chemistry together is uncanny. The cinematography is great. The scripting is right on point. And the characters actions are justifiable. Shawshank sucks you in from beginning to end. From the moment Tim's character enters the gates--you feel as though you're being sucked in with him. You feel his pain and you begin to relate to all of the inmates. The movie is very inspirational and offers some form of hope to a brighter better future. I love it. I just love it. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 28, 2005 | | Summary | Quality Control | Content
| I purchased to different products that were shipped in the same package and received the package two days before expected. Excellent service. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 16, 2005 | | Summary | The most incredible story ever filmed! | Content
| The box office was cruel to this film. Whether it was the lack of a catchy title, or the rather bland movie poster showing Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, the true spirit of this film never got the attention it deserved at it's big-screen opening. For this, I'm guilty, too. I showed no interest in it when it opened. Never have I been so wrong in judging a movie. The motion picture awards institutions were wrong in not properly recognizing this film as possibly the greatest of all time. I never expected a prison film to be my all-time favorite.
It was two precious years before my brother convinced me to see it. I must say, no film has ever driven me to tears like this one did. It is a compelling story of the strength of human character, emerging from the most hopeless of situations. As it turns out, hope is exactly what empowers the prisoners of Shawshank.
The cinematography and musical score are magical, especially in the scene where Red is dropped off in Buxton to search the fields for Andy's stash, and where he finally reunites with Andy in Mexico. It just streams with emotion. The script: superbly written. All this was put together by a talented director who can go to his grave knowing he orchestrated one of the finest films in history. Of course, Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown and other supporting cast members deserve much credit for the emotion they put into their respective characters.
If you are one of the unfortunate people who haven't seen this film, you're missing out, big time. I envy those who are watching it for the first time. It is so completely engrossing a story, never boring, with a truely satisfying ending. It exudes hope. It defines redemption. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 13, 2005 | | Summary | The Shawshank Redemption | Content
| This film is truly a masterpiece. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were great and delivered perfect performances. Andy is sent to prison for life, and thus begins his journey which is an uphill struggle all the way. It's a very moving film, told from the perspective of Red, another convicted murderer and Andy's best friend, whose first impression of Andy is that a stiff breeze would blow him over. As time progresses though, Andy's values of hope have an impact on Red who develops a better understanding and different perspective on things. When I first saw it, I was overwhelmed. It should have done way better in the oscars. This is one of the best films I have ever seen and would strongly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it. I've seen it at least 400 bajillion times (much thanks to TNT) but wouldn't hesitate to pop in the DVD and watch it again if prompted. Tim Robbins (Andy) and Morgan Freeman (Red) are great. They play truly believable parts. Andy, Red, and the rest of the prison crew are people that you grow to like at an early point in the movie and you really hope that things turn out okay for them. When a filmmaker makes you really feel for the characters he's done his job. It appeals to every type of movie, it's suspenseful, it's funny, it's even romantic (in a friendship sort of way), it's just a great drama. The poor guy goes through so much just to get his freedom and to be right. You have to see it to believe it. |
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