Had an okay week. I'll be doing "My number Directors Name, because I've seen other people do it, I like it, and I'm a massive Follower!

The Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont

My first Darabont

I can't say it's the greatest film of ALL TIME (sorry IMDb), or even amongst the greatest that I've seen. However, I also can't say that I didn't enjoy this film very much, because I did

The film has its fair share of problems, all with its unfortunate amount of "Really?" worthy plot conveniences, lousy acting from side characters, some bothersome wise and explanatory dialogue, and one dimensional villains, which were actually my biggest gripe with the film. I mean given the fact that there's a significant message or theme of second chances, by showing another side of those who've done wrong, from the criminals we follow to Dufresne's wife, and all we get from our main antagonists is "They're Assholes"; That just aggravated me. In the end however, the films strengths vastly overcame its weaknesses.

My taking on of an, almost, immediate liking to the relationship between our two main protagonists, Red & Andy, really helped distract from any issues I had early on. But, perhaps the film's biggest distractor, and its greatest attribute is its, undeniably, moving and inspirational messages of second chances, freedom, and hope; all underlined with the seemingly simple, yet very effective and fitting score.

That may very well be why The Shawhhank Redemption has received this, overwhelming, amount of praise. It seems to be a film that can, almost, be universally liked, and I certainly really liked it as well.

7.5/10