list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around The Shawshank Redemption on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/The_Shawshank_Redemption/90869/default.aspx Title: The Shawshank Redemption
Year: 1994
Director: Frank Darabont
Plot: In 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He's sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), picks him as the new recruit most likely to crack under the pressure. The ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy: a corrupt warden (Bob Gunton), sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley (Clancy Brown), and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack: he has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars. He uses his banking skills to win favor with the warden and the guards, doing the books for Norton's illegal business schemes and keeping an eye on the investments of most of the prison staff. In exchange, he is able to improve the prison library and bring some dignity and respect back to many of the inmates, including Red. Based on a story by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption was the directorial debut of screenwriter Frank Darabont. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 147
Number of Lists: 156
Number of blog posts: 10
Number of discussion threads: 26
SpoutRating: 4
]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:24:00 GMTThe Shawshank Redemption1994Frank DarabontIn 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (<a href="/players/P___108437/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tim Robbins</a>) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He's sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis "Red" Redding (<a href="/players/P____90514/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Morgan Freeman</a>), picks him as the new recruit most likely to crack under the pressure. The ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy: a corrupt warden (<a href="/players/P___196184/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Bob Gunton</a>), sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley (<a href="/players/P_____8910/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Clancy Brown</a>), and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack: he has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars. He uses his banking skills to win favor with the warden and the guards, doing the books for Norton's illegal business schemes and keeping an eye on the investments of most of the prison staff. In exchange, he is able to improve the prison library and bring some dignity and respect back to many of the inmates, including Red. Based on a story by <a href="/players/P____97473/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Stephen King</a>, The Shawshank Redemption was the directorial debut of screenwriter <a href="/players/P____86735/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Frank Darabont</a>. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide147Tag Target (>10)15610264http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u35878oipod.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Shawshank_Redemption/90869/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_September_28_The_Infinite_Sad/625/44118/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 10/5/2009 1:35:33 PM
Body: [quote user="mercurial"] Sorry for the delay but I've been in a Six Feet Under k-hole for the past week and haven't been doing much of else. The final episode of the series had me crying like almost never before and it got me thinking about how much I enjoy a good cry. The raw emotion, the circling thoughts of this or that that keep the tears streaming down your face, the feeling of suffocating in your throat: not too much in this life compares to it. [/quote] A good cry is something that can be a cap on a really great movie for me as well. I find myself crying for lots of different reasons in films though. [quote user="mercurial"] And probably the best cry I've ever had in a movie is The Shawshank Redemption. Gets me crying like a baby every time I watch it. [/quote] Dude, there's something about it. I don't know what it is. But even if it's ALL I see, whenever the very last couple minutes of The Shawshank Redemption start playing, the tears just start welling up. Although the one film moment that might get the tears going even stronger and more reliably would be the final big breakdown from Lee J. Cobb's character. I get goosebumps and almost start crying just reading a transcript of it! I think it may be the most perfect moment in cinema for me. I've also had tears of happiness well up in my eyes for strange kind of happy moments too. When the new Star Wars movies came out, I would almost start crying just as the opening theme started playing and the familiar logo and text scroll started running. Sometimes it's a perfect blend of what just seems like overpowering truth. Humor, sadness, reality, absurdity, all perfectly portrayed. The end of Dr. Strangelove for instance. Tears come to my eyes here too. Most of the film of The Seventh Seal hits me too because of the truth of every character's struggle. Oh and I just remembered, what might be the best rival for that monologue in 12 Angry Men would be the monologue in Fargo by Margie in the cop car hauling away Gaear Grimsrud. So that was Mrs. Lundegaard on the floor in there. And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper. And those three people in Brainerd. And for what? For a little bit of money. There's more to life than a little money, you know. Don'tcha know that? And here ya are, and it's a beautiful day. Well. I just don't understand it. Ah! That sums it up so perfectly! You just have to shed a tear for everything it says. Then of course there are times when I really HATE a movie for making me cry. Because it's total manipulation. In other words, it throws up certain images and sounds and music that we already have some emotional attachment to outside of the film and edits them together in a way that makes you cry. But if the actual story of the film is total bullshit, then that's manipulation. The cry doesn't flow freely from the complete work of the film. It's just a psychological trick. One of the biggest examples here would be I Am Sam. People naturally have an immediate strong reaction to cute, innocent and defenseless people being taken advantage of. Who is more stereotypically innocent and defenseless than mentally retarded people and children? And when you throw in a vague oppresive authority system and one dementional villains, the only final blow you really need is Beatles music, the most loved pop music in the world. The tears flow, but not because of any context of the film, because of outside contexts. Paul Haggis pulls this same kind of crap with Million Dollar Baby and Crash.
]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:35:33 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme10/5/2009 1:35:33 PM[quote user="mercurial"] Sorry for the delay but I've been in a Six Feet Under k-hole for the past week and haven't been doing much of else. The final episode of the series had me crying like almost never before and it got me thinking about how much I enjoy a good cry. The raw emotion, the circling thoughts of this or that that keep the tears streaming down your face, the feeling of suffocating in your throat: not too much in this life compares to it. [/quote] A good cry is something that can be a cap on a really great movie for me as well. I find myself crying for lots of different reasons in films though. [quote user="mercurial"] And probably the best cry I've ever had in a movie is The Shawshank Redemption. Gets me crying like a baby every time I watch it. [/quote] Dude, there's something about it. I don't know what it is. But even if it's ALL I see, whenever the very last couple minutes of The Shawshank Redemption start playing, the tears just start welling up. Although the one film moment that might get the tears going even stronger and more reliably would be the final big breakdown from Lee J. Cobb's character. I get goosebumps and almost start crying just reading a transcript of it! I think it may be the most perfect moment in cinema for me. I've also had tears of happiness well up in my eyes for strange kind of happy moments too. When the new Star Wars movies came out, I would almost start crying just as the opening theme started playing and the familiar logo and text scroll started running. Sometimes it's a perfect blend of what just seems like overpowering truth. Humor, sadness, reality, absurdity, all perfectly portrayed. The end of Dr. Strangelove for instance. Tears come to my eyes here too. Most of the film of The Seventh Seal hits me too because of the truth of every character's struggle. Oh and I just remembered, what might be the best rival for that monologue in 12 Angry Men would be the monologue in Fargo by Margie in the cop car hauling away Gaear Grimsrud. So that was Mrs. Lundegaard on the floor in there. And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper. And those three people in Brainerd. And for what? For a little bit of money. There's more to life than a little money, you know. Don'tcha know that? And here ya are, and it's a beautiful day. Well. I just don't understand it. Ah! That sums it up so perfectly! You just have to shed a tear for everything it says. Then of course there are times when I really HATE a movie for making me cry. Because it's total manipulation. In other words, it throws up certain images and sounds and music that we already have some emotional attachment to outside of the film and edits them together in a way that makes you cry. But if the actual story of the film is total bullshit, then that's manipulation. The cry doesn't flow freely from the complete work of the film. It's just a psychological trick. One of the biggest examples here would be I Am Sam. People naturally have an immediate strong reaction to cute, innocent and defenseless people being taken advantage of. Who is more stereotypically innocent and defenseless than mentally retarded people and children? And when you throw in a vague oppresive authority system and one dementional villains, the only final blow you really need is Beatles music, the most loved pop music in the world. The tears flow, but not because of any context of the film, because of outside contexts. Paul Haggis pulls this same kind of crap with Million Dollar Baby and Crash. http://www.spout.com/blogs/risselada/archive/2009/3/17/41093.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Risselada Blog
Post Date: 3/17/2009 1:20:52 PM
Body: Planet Earth I'm sure most people are already familiar with this series. And I haven't met anyone who hasn't enjoyed it, much less thought it was one of the greatest things they've seen on a screen. On IMDB, Planet Earth is the highest rated item in the whole database with over 3200 votes, and it's the highest rated item that isn't a video game with more than 150 votes. In fact the item with the most votes that isn't a video game and is rated higher than Planet Earth on IMDB is a film called Vishnu which has an outrageous score of 10.0 out of 10.0 with 114 votes. However when you consider the fact that it's a relatively new Indian movie that may have a cult fan base and hasn't been seen much out of India it's not anywhere near as outrageous as Planet Earth's score of 9.8 out of 10.0 out of 9,095 votes!!! Documentaries and TV series are exempt from IMDB's Top 250 list, but compare a rating of 9.8 with the current top movie on that list Shawshank Redemption with a score of 9.2. Certainly it has done a fine job with it's goal of trying to set the bar to a new high for quality in a nature documentary program. The best nature photographers were given some of the best resources and greatest amount of time to capture some spectacular scenes of nature. I watched this on DVD. I'm sure it would be even more amazing in HD or Blu-ray or whatever all those other higher quality image formats are. If you do see it though, make sure you see the original British version. I hear that for American broadcast the narration is done by Sigourney Weaver, which might not be bad (I haven't heard it), but after you see the original it would be hard to separate the series from David Attenborough's narration. The narration is filled with so much hyperbole that it sometimes gets a little bit silly. Almost everything they show you in the program is apparently the "most" something. The biggest, the smallest, the wettest, the driest, the oldest, the fastest, always the most something. I guess if you get specific enough, anything you could chose to look at is the "most" something. But nonetheless, everything fits together well and it's worth watching. Every episode even ends with a bit of info about how the cameramen got the shots which you always kind of wonder about. The last episodes are rather depressing since they focus on the impact of humans on the rest of the planet and the extensive loss of life and entire species. The impact is greatest because you have just watched so many different forms of life up close in so many different contexts. Rating: 9/10
]]>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:20:52 GMTRisseladaRisselada Blog3/17/2009 1:20:52 PMPlanet Earth I'm sure most people are already familiar with this series. And I haven't met anyone who hasn't enjoyed it, much less thought it was one of the greatest things they've seen on a screen. On IMDB, Planet Earth is the highest rated item in the whole database with over 3200 votes, and it's the highest rated item that isn't a video game with more than 150 votes. In fact the item with the most votes that isn't a video game and is rated higher than Planet Earth on IMDB is a film called Vishnu which has an outrageous score of 10.0 out of 10.0 with 114 votes. However when you consider the fact that it's a relatively new Indian movie that may have a cult fan base and hasn't been seen much out of India it's not anywhere near as outrageous as Planet Earth's score of 9.8 out of 10.0 out of 9,095 votes!!! Documentaries and TV series are exempt from IMDB's Top 250 list, but compare a rating of 9.8 with the current top movie on that list Shawshank Redemption with a score of 9.2. Certainly it has done a fine job with it's goal of trying to set the bar to a new high for quality in a nature documentary program. The best nature photographers were given some of the best resources and greatest amount of time to capture some spectacular scenes of nature. I watched this on DVD. I'm sure it would be even more amazing in HD or Blu-ray or whatever all those other higher quality image formats are. If you do see it though, make sure you see the original British version. I hear that for American broadcast the narration is done by Sigourney Weaver, which might not be bad (I haven't heard it), but after you see the original it would be hard to separate the series from David Attenborough's narration. The narration is filled with so much hyperbole that it sometimes gets a little bit silly. Almost everything they show you in the program is apparently the "most" something. The biggest, the smallest, the wettest, the driest, the oldest, the fastest, always the most something. I guess if you get specific enough, anything you could chose to look at is the "most" something. But nonetheless, everything fits together well and it's worth watching. Every episode even ends with a bit of info about how the cameramen got the shots which you always kind of wonder about. The last episodes are rather depressing since they focus on the impact of humans on the rest of the planet and the extensive loss of life and entire species. The impact is greatest because you have just watched so many different forms of life up close in so many different contexts. Rating: 9/10 http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/40494/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Pepper-Ann
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 2/16/2009 10:21:18 PM
Body: 1. 2001: A Space Odyssey- I'm surprised not to see this one on more lists. I've had several film classes and every single teacher has showed this film. Every one. Now, I'm not a sci-fi fan. So I'm already at a loss. But I just didn't think this was one of the best movies. Yeah, the special effects were great for it's time and it's good as an art film. But it just didn't grab me. One of the things I like in my films, serious ones anyways, is to have some sort of connection with the characters. Whether I hate them or love them, and I just didn't give a crap about Dave. The scenes were too drawn out and there wasn't enough plot for me to pay attention to. Or at least it went over my head all 8 times I've watched it. Again, I love Kubrick. I just couldn't get into this movie. 2. Titanic- Oh boy, not only did this movie make the Celine Dion song that I still hear to this day popular, but it's also the reason people still say "I'M KING OF THE WORLD!" Now, the Titanic is actually a pretty good setting for an emotional movie. But to me, the whole thing played out as Romeo and Juliet on a sinking ship. And boy, was it ever long! Again, romance movies aren't my cup of tea either, so I might be a bit harsh. It won way too many Oscars, and there were some pretty good movies up for best picture that year. Then again, I've always felt the Oscars were a little one-sided. 3. Blair Witch Project- I think a lot of people realized that after it came out though. Maybe "over-hyped" is the word I need to be using for this one and not so much over-rated. 4. No Country for Old Men- Don't hit me. See, that's the sign that a movie is over-rated.That knee-jerk response. Because yeah, I've been attacked for my opinion on this one, and I know I'm going to be the only one here that says it, especially as a film fan. But I still stand strong. I totally understand where the Coens were going, and I liked that they showed another side of things but the ending? Oh man did that ending ever make me mad. And apparently some other guy in the theater who felt like standing up and shouting "The Coen Brothers are a**holes!" Javier's performance was stellar. I wish I could elaborate more about why I feel this, but to be honest, I barely remember most of it except the coin flipping. That's how much I liked it. 5. Shawshank Redemption- If we're going to praise movies based on Stephen King stories, I think that should go to The Green Mile. Either that or Stand By Me which I think is one of the most emotional movies of all time. Fantastic coming of age story and great performances by all the young boys. Before Corey Feldman let everything go to his head and got out of control. And one of my favorite movies ever. Or The Shining, but I think that gets more than enough credit. I didn't see anything in Shawshank Redemption that really stood out to me. And yes, I've read the short story too. Before I saw the movie. And see, everyone saying they don't like Goodfellas, I love movies about the mafia. I don't know why, but I've always been drawn to them. Even the really crappy ones. I like Scorsese movies too.
]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:21:18 GMTPepper-AnnTop 52/16/2009 10:21:18 PM1. 2001: A Space Odyssey- I'm surprised not to see this one on more lists. I've had several film classes and every single teacher has showed this film. Every one. Now, I'm not a sci-fi fan. So I'm already at a loss. But I just didn't think this was one of the best movies. Yeah, the special effects were great for it's time and it's good as an art film. But it just didn't grab me. One of the things I like in my films, serious ones anyways, is to have some sort of connection with the characters. Whether I hate them or love them, and I just didn't give a crap about Dave. The scenes were too drawn out and there wasn't enough plot for me to pay attention to. Or at least it went over my head all 8 times I've watched it. Again, I love Kubrick. I just couldn't get into this movie. 2. Titanic- Oh boy, not only did this movie make the Celine Dion song that I still hear to this day popular, but it's also the reason people still say "I'M KING OF THE WORLD!" Now, the Titanic is actually a pretty good setting for an emotional movie. But to me, the whole thing played out as Romeo and Juliet on a sinking ship. And boy, was it ever long! Again, romance movies aren't my cup of tea either, so I might be a bit harsh. It won way too many Oscars, and there were some pretty good movies up for best picture that year. Then again, I've always felt the Oscars were a little one-sided. 3. Blair Witch Project- I think a lot of people realized that after it came out though. Maybe "over-hyped" is the word I need to be using for this one and not so much over-rated. 4. No Country for Old Men- Don't hit me. See, that's the sign that a movie is over-rated.That knee-jerk response. Because yeah, I've been attacked for my opinion on this one, and I know I'm going to be the only one here that says it, especially as a film fan. But I still stand strong. I totally understand where the Coens were going, and I liked that they showed another side of things but the ending? Oh man did that ending ever make me mad. And apparently some other guy in the theater who felt like standing up and shouting "The Coen Brothers are a**holes!" Javier's performance was stellar. I wish I could elaborate more about why I feel this, but to be honest, I barely remember most of it except the coin flipping. That's how much I liked it. 5. Shawshank Redemption- If we're going to praise movies based on Stephen King stories, I think that should go to The Green Mile. Either that or Stand By Me which I think is one of the most emotional movies of all time. Fantastic coming of age story and great performances by all the young boys. Before Corey Feldman let everything go to his head and got out of control. And one of my favorite movies ever. Or The Shining, but I think that gets more than enough credit. I didn't see anything in Shawshank Redemption that really stood out to me. And yes, I've read the short story too. Before I saw the movie. And see, everyone saying they don't like Goodfellas, I love movies about the mafia. I don't know why, but I've always been drawn to them. Even the really crappy ones. I like Scorsese movies too. http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/40434/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: bailey822
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 2/12/2009 9:52:49 PM
Body: I agree completely about Goodfellas. I love Scorsese, but this was no Godfather. Shakespeare in Love was another one that didn't exactly deserve all that critical acclaim...it was basically a romantic comedy with lots of expensive costumes. [quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. [/quote]
]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:52:49 GMTbailey822Top 52/12/2009 9:52:49 PMI agree completely about Goodfellas. I love Scorsese, but this was no Godfather. Shakespeare in Love was another one that didn't exactly deserve all that critical acclaim...it was basically a romantic comedy with lots of expensive costumes. [quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. [/quote] http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/39479/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: flair
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 1/13/2009 5:56:38 PM
Body: [quote user="pippin06"] [quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. [/quote] leeroy, I think you are harsh on Scorsese, and he didn't only make those three flicks prior to the Departed. In the land of overrated for Scorsese, I submit Gangs of New York and The Aviator. I hate them, and they were nominated a million times for a million awards (and were some in the long line of Scorsese's no-Oscar curse). Though, I totally agree with Gladiator (also doesn't hold up to repeat viewings) and Shakespeare in Love. I was hot when the latter won Best Picture thanks to the alpha-campaignig of the Weinsteins. Saving Private Ryan is a much better film, and I personally and generally prefer romances to war movies any day, but come on. And now I see why Shawshank might be considered overrated Ok, I concede on that point, but I'm with leeroy on Amelie. [/quote]
]]>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:56:38 GMTflairTop 51/13/2009 5:56:38 PM[quote user="pippin06"] [quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. [/quote] leeroy, I think you are harsh on Scorsese, and he didn't only make those three flicks prior to the Departed. In the land of overrated for Scorsese, I submit Gangs of New York and The Aviator. I hate them, and they were nominated a million times for a million awards (and were some in the long line of Scorsese's no-Oscar curse). Though, I totally agree with Gladiator (also doesn't hold up to repeat viewings) and Shakespeare in Love. I was hot when the latter won Best Picture thanks to the alpha-campaignig of the Weinsteins. Saving Private Ryan is a much better film, and I personally and generally prefer romances to war movies any day, but come on. And now I see why Shawshank might be considered overrated Ok, I concede on that point, but I'm with leeroy on Amelie. [/quote] http://www.spout.com/blogs/ushimu/archive/2008/12/27/38873.aspx Post By: UshiMu
Post To: UshiMu Blog
Post Date: 12/27/2008 2:17:41 AM
Body: I learned of this movie when someone told me it was their "all time favorite" skeptical, I rented it (knowing it was a prison film, I was worried that it would be lacking in plot, steeped in depth and realism, but lacking... structure,) However, I was gladly proven wrong. This film is a true work of "art" (for lack of a better word,) It almost absorbs you in, leaving you completely unaware you are viewing a movie. The acting is spectacular. Morgan Freeman & Tim Robbins are fantastic leads, but the "Villians" (again for lack of a better word,) were what truly gripped me, I really wanted to hate them, and felt quite justified when they got what was coming to them. Although it was brutal at points, it was a raw and completely honest film. Entierly enjoyable. 5 Stars!
]]>Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:17:41 GMTUshiMuUshiMu Blog12/27/2008 2:17:41 AMI learned of this movie when someone told me it was their "all time favorite" skeptical, I rented it (knowing it was a prison film, I was worried that it would be lacking in plot, steeped in depth and realism, but lacking... structure,) However, I was gladly proven wrong. This film is a true work of "art" (for lack of a better word,) It almost absorbs you in, leaving you completely unaware you are viewing a movie. The acting is spectacular. Morgan Freeman &amp; Tim Robbins are fantastic leads, but the "Villians" (again for lack of a better word,) were what truly gripped me, I really wanted to hate them, and felt quite justified when they got what was coming to them. Although it was brutal at points, it was a raw and completely honest film. Entierly enjoyable. 5 Stars! http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/37449/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: seely
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 11/19/2008 2:48:42 PM
Body: I guess a lot of those are movies that didn't particularly change my life, but I'm not particularly offended by either. One thing I will say about 'Amelie' (and I agree that it is quite overrated) is that I feel foreign films often get a critical and audience nod simply because they are foreign. Its kind of like how people with an accent are inherently more attractive and interesting than your non-accented compatriots. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a good example of this as well. Its a mediocre Asian film, but floored audiences stateside, I would argue, simply because it was foreign and different. Its a film I enjoy, but ultimately was not as amazing as it was hyped up to be, especially in the light of other great selections from Asian cinema. [quote user="SkyPilot"] 1. The Shawshank Redemption 2. The Usual Suspects 3. Amelie 4. Forrest Gump 5. Braveheart I enjoy all of these to some degree (especially Braveheart, which is deeply un-good in some ways)...but let's be honest...these aren't great films. Who disagrees with me? I was prompted to post this by the Most Overrated Movies group. [/quote]
]]>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:48:42 GMTseelyTop 511/19/2008 2:48:42 PMI guess a lot of those are movies that didn't particularly change my life, but I'm not particularly offended by either. One thing I will say about 'Amelie' (and I agree that it is quite overrated) is that I feel foreign films often get a critical and audience nod simply because they are foreign. Its kind of like how people with an accent are inherently more attractive and interesting than your non-accented compatriots. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a good example of this as well. Its a mediocre Asian film, but floored audiences stateside, I would argue, simply because it was foreign and different. Its a film I enjoy, but ultimately was not as amazing as it was hyped up to be, especially in the light of other great selections from Asian cinema. [quote user="SkyPilot"] 1. The Shawshank Redemption 2. The Usual Suspects 3. Amelie 4. Forrest Gump 5. Braveheart I enjoy all of these to some degree (especially Braveheart, which is deeply un-good in some ways)...but let's be honest...these aren't great films. Who disagrees with me? I was prompted to post this by the Most Overrated Movies group. [/quote] http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/36924/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: pippin06
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 11/3/2008 10:59:21 PM
Body: [quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. [/quote] leeroy, I think you are harsh on Scorsese, and he didn't only make those three flicks prior to the Departed. In the land of overrated for Scorsese, I submit Gangs of New York and The Aviator. I hate them, and they were nominated a million times for a million awards (and were some in the long line of Scorsese's no-Oscar curse). Though, I totally agree with Gladiator (also doesn't hold up to repeat viewings) and Shakespeare in Love. I was hot when the latter won Best Picture thanks to the alpha-campaignig of the Weinsteins. Saving Private Ryan is a much better film, and I personally and generally prefer romances to war movies any day, but come on. And now I see why Shawshank might be considered overrated Ok, I concede on that point, but I'm with leeroy on Amelie.
]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:59:21 GMTpippin06Top 511/3/2008 10:59:21 PM[quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. [/quote] leeroy, I think you are harsh on Scorsese, and he didn't only make those three flicks prior to the Departed. In the land of overrated for Scorsese, I submit Gangs of New York and The Aviator. I hate them, and they were nominated a million times for a million awards (and were some in the long line of Scorsese's no-Oscar curse). Though, I totally agree with Gladiator (also doesn't hold up to repeat viewings) and Shakespeare in Love. I was hot when the latter won Best Picture thanks to the alpha-campaignig of the Weinsteins. Saving Private Ryan is a much better film, and I personally and generally prefer romances to war movies any day, but come on. And now I see why Shawshank might be considered overrated Ok, I concede on that point, but I'm with leeroy on Amelie. http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/36923/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: pippin06
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 11/3/2008 10:55:18 PM
Body: [quote user="SkyPilot"] 1. The Shawshank Redemption 2. The Usual Suspects 3. Amelie 4. Forrest Gump 5. Braveheart I enjoy all of these to some degree (especially Braveheart, which is deeply un-good in some ways)...but let's be honest...these aren't great films. Who disagrees with me? I was prompted to post this by the Most Overrated Movies group. [/quote] Booo on all except Braveheart. Sheesh, SkyPilot, you nearly made me faint. But, as with the OverRated group, I have to ask how we define overrated? Amelie and The Shawshank Redemption have had slow momentum getting to any type of "overrated" status, if they can truly be called that (I never called Shawshank "great," but it's a good movie, and Amelie is loads of charming and French, what do you want?). Forrest Gump you could argue, since it won Best Picture, but I feel this movie is sorely misunderstood and, in some ways, completely underrated by the naysayers. And The Usual Suspects may not hold up to repeat viewings once the viewer knows the ending, and may not have the best acting ensemble outside of Kevin Spacey, but the movie's brilliant because of Kev's performance and the truly original twisty plot.
]]>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:55:18 GMTpippin06Top 511/3/2008 10:55:18 PM[quote user="SkyPilot"] 1. The Shawshank Redemption 2. The Usual Suspects 3. Amelie 4. Forrest Gump 5. Braveheart I enjoy all of these to some degree (especially Braveheart, which is deeply un-good in some ways)...but let's be honest...these aren't great films. Who disagrees with me? I was prompted to post this by the Most Overrated Movies group. [/quote] Booo on all except Braveheart. Sheesh, SkyPilot, you nearly made me faint. But, as with the OverRated group, I have to ask how we define overrated? Amelie and The Shawshank Redemption have had slow momentum getting to any type of "overrated" status, if they can truly be called that (I never called Shawshank "great," but it's a good movie, and Amelie is loads of charming and French, what do you want?). Forrest Gump you could argue, since it won Best Picture, but I feel this movie is sorely misunderstood and, in some ways, completely underrated by the naysayers. And The Usual Suspects may not hold up to repeat viewings once the viewer knows the ending, and may not have the best acting ensemble outside of Kevin Spacey, but the movie's brilliant because of Kev's performance and the truly original twisty plot. http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Overrated_Movies/190/36917/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 11/3/2008 6:19:24 PM
Body: [quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous.
]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:19:24 GMTleeroy711Top 511/3/2008 6:19:24 PM[quote user="SkyPilot"] 3. Amelie [/quote] Boooooooooo!!! I love this one and everything else by Juenet. The rest of the list I can't disagree with but mine would look more like: 1. Platoon - Hamburger Hill was better........... trust me. 2. Goodfellas/Casino/Taxi Driver - I didn't really get into a Scorsese film until The Departed. These others were OK, but that's about it. If it weren't for Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese would be the most overrated director. 3. Shakespeare In Love - this was when I stopped watching or caring about the Oscars 4. Gladiator - see No. 3 - And I actually liked Black Hawk Down better for a Ridley Scott film. 5. Shawshank Redemption - This one was clever but c'mon. No. 1 on IMDB's top 250 list is just ridiculous. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Classic/MemberTagFilms.aspxClassic
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