Review of The Shawshank Redemption (1994) by Thomas B — 21 Jul 2016

Prison movies are very often trumped up pieces of garbage with a leading man who can't act, a story line which doesn't stand and set pieces which can bore you to tears. However, The Shawshank Redemption shows the world of film that no matter how overdone the subject, a good character and a good story can make any setting into a great film. .

Thus we meet Andy Dufresne. He is quiet, lean, not much to look at really and blessed with a somewhat icy persona at a first glance. But upon getting to know the man behind the dull and faded covers is one of the most rewarding experiences film can give you. Andy's withdrawn nature gives way to a tough, complex man who, while he is taken lightly at first, clings stubbornly to life and holds to the idea that a man can overcome any circumstances surrounding him if he is patient. He may not be blessed with Jason Statham's physique or the chiselled perfection of many other actors but Tim Robbins has real talent, a thing which is lacking in much of Hollywood today. He plays Andy perfectly, a quiet, demure individual who only opens up to those he chooses to after careful consideration. He doesn't talk himself up even though he is very smart, and he doesn't jeopardise his plans by blabbing them out to every passerby. He has a quiet strength which is priceless in a situation like the one he finds himself in.

Red, too, is a great character. A prisoner who doesn't believe in hope, an unusual occurence for a prison film. His narration, which could be perceieved as lazy storytelling, gives great insight into the character's secret thoughts and emotions. Morgan Freeman, as usual, is spot on in his portrayal of the 'man who can get things.' .

These two great characters are just the tip of the iceberg for this movie, as every character on screen is filled with rich backstory and as complex as a real person. This gives a film which would otherwise be average an edge over all of the others in its genre. .

The film refuses to be rushed, taking its own time to unfold stories and show you different characters, though it is never boring and each scene brings some new insight into character's lives and into themselves. Whilst another film would have focussed on very different aspects of prison life, this one focusses on the prisoners inside. At the same time, however, this film goes where many films refuse to, as our hero is degraded in the worst way possible time and time again. The film does this with a certain elegance, however, not simply glossing over the fact, but not making it a focus point either. The story itself is fantastic, a coming of age story almost; the story of a man finally deciding to take initiative and do what he needs to. .

There are standout performances all around from James Whitmore, William Sadler, Clancy Brown and Bob Gunton, though Tim Robbins' restraint throughout the film is the most standout of them all. .

No focus has been lost on the technical aspects either, with some stunning cinematography (see the helicopter panning shot around the spires of the majestic Shawshank Prison. Beautiful) and lighting is impeccable. The music, too is perfectly suited for the film, beginning with an old, scratched record playing a song from around the time the film was set in. .

The themes evident here are some very poignant ones; displaying crooked wardens for all their greed, startling moments of conspiracy, the injustice in the system and above all, hold onto hope. .

The Shawshank Redemption is an amazing film which is so inspirational, you can't help but to be moved by it. .

Defining Scene: .

Andy plays a gramophone to the entire prison. The stillness is breathtaking.