Movie review: The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American prison drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the novel named "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King.The Shawshank Redemption is often considered as one of the best and most important films ever made.It has a 9.3 rating on IMDB, which made it the highest rated movie of all time.
Plot and presentation:
The main plot of the movie resolves around two main characters; Andy Dufresne(played by Tim Robbins) and Ellis Boyd Redding or "Red"(played by Morgan Freeman). The movie draws a conflict between good and evil, and is presented with pure perfection.
Andy Dufresne, a vice manager is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences as he was suspected for the murder of his wife and her lover. Although he didn't commit the crime he was declared guilty and was brought to the Shawshank prison. Then the audience see through his eyes the brutality and unforgiving nature of prison life. For one month he remains pretty quiet and afterwards he become friends with another prison named "Red" who was serving a life sentence.
Red was the man who used to supply essentials and other materials from the outside world to the prison, so he was an important man in the prison.. On their first meeting Andy asked Red for a small pickaxe and a poster of Rita Hayworth.Although at first it was a bit confusing but their significance is revealed later. As time passes they two grow fond of each other and become best friends.
The main antagonist of the movie is Warden Norton(portrayed by Bob Gunton). At first he seemed religious from outside but from the inside he was heartless and corrupted.
The secondary antagonist in this movie is Byron Hadley(portrayed by Clancy Brown). He was also part of the corruption. He is shown as the most ruthless man among the prison guards. He killed a fat man on his first day as the man was being noisy. He also killed another young prison inmate named Tommy as he could be witness to Andy Dufresene's innocence.
The environmental storytelling and the realistic picturization of prison life is unparalleled. Also the bringing of justice among all the characters, is what made the movie timeless
Epic scenes:
From the very beginning The Shawshank Redempition is filled with epic scenes, some of them are:-
Scene where prisoners drink beer:-
This scene is at the beginning of the movie. After Andy tells Hadley that he would do the paperwork for him, he agrees to give the prisoners beers. The prisoners including Red drinks beer on the roof in the sunlight.The camera work, direction and Morgan Freeman's perfect narration of the moment made the scene so epic.
The opera scene:
After Andy comes to the office for some paperwork he sees a gramophone. And he starts to play the opera of Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro" leaving not only the prisoners, but also the audience completely surprised.Like the previous one, Morgan Freeman also narrated the scene quite perfectly making it one of the most powerful scenes in all the movies.
Brooks was here:
Brooks is a minor character from the movie who used to be the prison librarian. After he was released he was sent to the place where later Red was sent. Because of his long term staying in prison it was difficult for him to get used to the outside world.It led him to depression and hopelessness.So he committed suicide. However Red also faces the same problems after his release.But there was a little sensation of hope of meeting his old friend and start a new life together.So he left the place and went to the place Andy mentioned. This scene perfectly brings out the power of hope and how it affects our life.
The lasting impression and legacy:
The Shawshank Redemption is more than just a prison drama movie. The realistic acting and extraordinary camera work is remarkable. Justice is brought upon every character at the end the movie.The movie also teaches something new every time you watch it. The sketch of good and evil and their conflict is seen throughout the movie. And after all its a movie about hope
Although surprisingly The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for 7 academy awards but haven't won any leaving everyone shocked. However the cultural and ethical value of the movie is recognised and it is preserved in the American film institute.
"Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you free."
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