Given its status as a universally-loved classic, it's hard to imagine that The Shawshank Redemption was a box office disappointment when it was first released. Frank Darabont makes one of the great feature debuts with one of the most uplifting and inspiring movies ever made. The narrative stretches from 1946 to 1967, tracing the trials and tribulations of Tim Robbins' Andy Dufresne as he experiences life in the titular prison. Darabont's script populates the movie with fully-rounded characters; each of the people Andy interacts with feel three-dimensional, with their own backstory and motivations. The real heart of the movie is provided by Morgan Freeman's Red, who emanates warmth and wisdom as well as getting one of the most memorable voice-overs in cinema. A movie that could easily fall into cheesy melodrama is elevated by the writing, acting and directing into a heartwarming tale of friendship and the strength of the human spirit. Of course, we can't forget that The Shawshank Redemption has one of the greatest third acts of any movie. Andy's escape is one of the great reveals, and finally seeing the Warden get his comeuppance is wonderfully satisfying. The story ends with one of the best feelgood moments in cinema as the two lifelong friends are reunited outside the confines of the prison, perfectly in tune with the movie's life-affirming nature.
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