The Shawshank Redemption

The Shanshank Redemption
The movie The Shawshank Redemption, written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on a novel by Stephen King, displays excitement and suspense. Mercifully free of cheap horror and overwrought dialogue, this 1994 release celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. The movie opens in 1947 as Andy Dufrense, a prominent New England banker, stands trial for murdering his wife and her lover. Although Andy insists his innocence, the jury finds him guilty. As Andy struggles with his new lifestyles, he becomes friends with another inmate named “Red”. The partnership between Andy and “Red” supports the crucial way the story unfolds. Three reasons to recognize The Shawshank Redemption as an extraordinary film include the strength of its performers, partnership between the characters, and the fight against despair.

One quality that makes The Shawshank Redemption an outstanding movie involves the fight against despair. Where lesser men may crumble in a position like Andy, Andy displays a man with hidden reserves. Throughout the movie Andy represents a man with high qualities and hope. He gradually gains personal satisfaction by sharing hope with other inmates. Although it takes Andy six years of writing letters to the government, they finally give him financial aid to rebuild the prison library. The library allows Andy to relate and reach out to the other inmates. The sense of obtaining an education influences the other prisoners to fight their despair. As Andy and “Red” become friends, they depend on their friendship to maintain hope. According to Rita Kempley, “It is hope that allows the self-proclaimed innocent man to survive what may or may not be an unjust imprisonment. And hope is his gift to his friend “Red”, who no longer even tries to impress the parole board at his hearings” (28). The story shows the subterranean progress of how two men serving life sentences in prison become friends and find a way to fight off despair.

Another quality that makes The Shawshank Redemption a great film involves the partnership between the characters. Although Andy finds prison tough, things begin to change for the better when he finds a way to use his skills and education to benefit his fellow felons. He offers financial advice to a guard in exchange for three beers a piece for every man tarring the roof with him. This partnership proves the way that Andy accepts the good and the bad as all part of some larger pattern that only he can fully see. The partnership between Andy and “Red” plays an important role in the movie. According to Roger Ebert, “Andy keeps his thoughts to himself. “Red” is therefore a crucial element in the story: His close observation of this man, down through the years, provides the way we monitor changes and track the measure of his influence on those around him. And all the time there is something else happening, hidden and secret, which is revealed only at the end” (56). “Red” brings a captivating balance, which helps the viewer see inside Andy. The warmth in friendship that builds up between Andy and “Red” indicates a sense of personal worth, despite their difficult lifestyles.

Another quality that makes The Shawshank Redemption an incredible film involves the performers. Tim Robbins acts thoroughly excellent as the clever and utterly decent Andy. While innocent and overly trusting, nothing can crush his optimism. Robbins also excels in details such as throwing a faint smile or a leading comment when necessary. Equally impressive, Morgan Freeman plays the role of “Red”. Freeman acts scintillating as the institutionalized “Red”, ground down by a wasted life. Freeman gives his character a depth that hints at loss, regret, bitterness, and hopelessness without once admitting to it. Freeman also narrates the story, which allows him to speak for all of the prisoners. This secretly identifies a sense of fortitude and integrity that every prisoner sees in Andy. The Shawshank Redemption shines by virtue for its compelling minor characters. From the very good to the very bad, almost every speaking part adds something to the backdrop behind Robbins and Freeman. Librarian Brooks Hatlen, played by James Whitmore, indicates how prison can drain everything worth cherishing from an inmate before tossing the empty husk into an uncertain world. At the other end, two prisoners named Gunton and Sadler act titanium hard and repellent. Their words and actions state nothing more than agony. Placed together these roles illuminate the prison, moving but never distracting the focus from Andy and “Red’s” friendship. The film also has a terrific and intelligent script, reasonable photography, and performances of real emotion. Instead of insulting the audience, The Shawshank Redemption asks them to feel, think, and identify with the story.

The Shawshank Redemption exemplifies an outstanding movie. This tale celebrates the resilience of the human spirit through the use of life, humor, friendship, excitement, and suspense. The horror involves a supernatural king of horror, but of the sort that flows from the realization of a man’s life in the unchanging daily prison routine. This film influences the viewers to put themselves in the characters’ position. Most of all, this outstanding story reminds many people that they hold the keys to their own personal prison.