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Created Oct 25, 2007 01:56PM PST • Edited Oct 25, 2007 01:56PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Perfect 5.0

   By far one of my favorite films. The movie was a sleeper hit, passing through theaters almost unnoticed only to become one of the best selling DVDs of all time. Based on the short story by Stephen King, this is one of the most powerful stories of friendship, change, hope and yes, redemption ever made.

4. Acting

   Perfect 5.0

   Morgan Freeman established himself as his now practically trademarked “narrarator” with this film in one of his best performances. This is Tim Robbin’s best performance to date.

5. Male Stars Perfect 5.0

6. Female Stars Perfect 5.0

7. Female Costars Perfect 5.0

8. Male Costars Perfect 5.0

10. Film

    Perfect 5.0

    Filmed on location in Mansfield, OH in the now abandoned Mansfield Reformatory gives the film a very real look and feel throughout. The film takes place in a real prison used during the time period set in the film, realism beyond what any set designer could do.

11. Direction Perfect 5.0

12. Play Perfect 5.0

13. Music Perfect 5.0

14. Visuals Perfect 5.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.4

17. Sex Erotic 3.5

    Andy (Robbins) is sexually assualted at various times during the film by other prisoners.

18. Violence Fierce 2.2

    There are several fight scenes, but the blood is minimal. However, several people are shown meeting their end by gunshot.

19. Rudeness Polite 1.5

21. Reality

    Glib 1.2

    Many of Andy’s actions during his time would likely never happen today, but they are perhaps, what make his emotional journey as powerful as it is.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0