The Shawshank Redemption

THE GIST: Sent to prison for a crime he says he didn't commit, Andy gradually strikes up a friendship with Red, who clearly knows his way around the prison. The two men have distinct views of their futures, with Andy harboring hope for better things to come, while Red is pretty much resigned to the status quo.

Nominated for a total of seven Academy Awards (Picture, Lead Actor - for Morgan Freeman, Screenplay, Score - for Thomas Newman, Cinematography, Sound, and Editing), The Shawshank Redemption is probably the most critically acclaimed adaptation of a work by Stephen King, one of my favorite authors.

Morgan Freeman is really, really good in an understated performance, and so is Tim Robbins (both actors were nominated for a Lead Actor Screen Actors Guild award).

Fundamentally, however, it's the story that really shines here, perfectly adapted by Frank Darabont, who also directed.

Finally, the soundtrack is one of the most iconic pieces of film music ever written.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A good film that should satisfy everyone's tastes. Definitely recommended.

Grade: 9