The Shawshank Redemption is a very moving story about hope and the power of friendship. The cast is absolutely first rate with everyone at the top of their game here. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman carry the movie but its James Whitmore's portrayal of Brookes and elderly inmate that really touches me everytime I watch the film.
As the film progresses you get to know each charcaters very well and you start to understand the reasons behind what they do (Brookes in particular)
This film keeps you glued to the screen the entire way through and has a great twist towards the end. Its a simple story elegantly and cleverly told. A modern classic.