Review of The Shawshank Redemption (1994) by Filipeneto — 12 Feb 2018

This film is the film adaptation of a Stephen King's novel, where a banker is arrested for a crime he didn't commit and has to adapt to the life on prison. But, as I haven't read the original book I will not make any comment on the quality of the adaptation itself. Its not rare to see films where the subject is prison, justice mistakes or the adaptation to the life behind bars. What isn't so common is to see such exceptionally human films in this kind of environment. And better yet: no exaggeration, no cheap sentimentality.

The emphasis is placed on the message that, even in prison, we can live the dream of freedom, that even the most guilty prisoners continue to be human beings. Andrew Dufresne is not a mere banker betrayed by fate, but a deeply generous and humane person, who shows these feelings even on the most painful occasions, and who is able to feel and demonstrate deep empathy for his fellow man. Instead of passing his time mourning his bad luck, Dufresne is concerned with adapting to his new situation and giving his companions the means to forget the bars and maintain hope, the same hope that he also tries to maintain.

Directed and written by Frank Darabont, who I think deserves applause for the good work, the film has a very good cast, with Tim Robbins leading the way in the lead role. I don't think I'm exaggerating if I say it was, until now, the best part of his career. Next to him is Morgan Freeman, who gives life to a chronic convict, a specialist in the art of smuggling with a noble heart, who acts as a narrator. Still a word to Bob Gunton, who gave life to the prison director, the big villain of the movie. Acting in a deeply hypocritical way, he lives with the Bible in his hands but does not hesitate to do everything she disapproves of. The technical issues are equally impeccable: I particularly highlight the pleasant photography and the impeccable soundtrack.

Named for seven Oscars and two Golden Globes, its almost inexplicable how he came to lose them all. It has always had the critic's support but it was a relative commercial failure, which only proves that sometimes what is made to sell is not good enough to stay for posterity. This film is bound to last as a hymn to hope, freedom and human values ​​we often forget.