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!