I don't know what took them so long but Netflix finally added what I consider to be one of the best films ever made to their library in March of 2020.
I don't know if it is anymore but there was a period of many years where this films was rated number 1 on IMDB and while I don't know if it is the best film ever made, it certainly is one of the best. This movie is perfect in every way. The cast of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman as well as their supporting cast where everyone is exactly who they need to be for the role.
I'm not going to spoil the story for anyone but basically Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to prison for a crime that he did not commit and he isn't exactly the type of person that is well-suited for jail life. He does manage to fit in with a crowd of sorts after a while and the friendships he builds, primarily with "Red" (Morgan Freeman) is particularly touching.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns that you don't really see coming for an American film and despite the fact that I do enjoy a lot of Stephen King's horror stories, I think its the dramas where his ideas come together for the big screen the best. I say this about The Green Mile as well. Neither one of the films have any aspect of horror to them, yet they are the best work by King in my book.
Even if you do already know the story and like me, have seen the film many times, this movie is one of those rarities that is very worth watching again and again. I plan on watching is again this afternoon.
I've never met anyone that didn't absolutely love this film and it is yet another fantastic film where Morgan Freeman's narration really adds to the overall feel of the movie.
If you are one of the few people out there that somehow managed to miss this 1994 masterpiece I say fire up the ol' Netflix immediately and put this on because you are in for a real treat.
