Review of The Shawshank Redemption (1994) by Rob R — 06 Apr 2016

Rob Rompala.

The Shawshank Redemption.

Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption is not just the best film of 1994, (tie with Pulp Fiction) but also one of the best films of all time. This addicting cinematic experience successfully delivers a powerful film with an engaging story that you won't want to end.

Based on Stephen King's novella Rita Hayward and Shawshank Redemption, this uplifting prison drama revolves around the friendship of two men who spend 20 years together.

Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. That sums it up. As good as the story is, it's hard to say it would work without these two magnificent performances. Freeman plays Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding, an inmate who has been at Shawshank State Penitentiary long before Andy Dufresne (Robbins) arrives.

In 1947, Dufresne is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. He pleads his innocence, but regardless is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences at Shawshank. You will feel deep sincerity for Dufresne, but it's for the best because that's when Freeman starts to narrate.

As soon as Dufresne walks off the prisoner bus at Shawshank, Red doesn't think much of him. Red wagers a pack of cigarettes that Dufresne will be the first of the new inmates to sob during his first night locked up. Dufresne doesn't make a sound.

This sequence is narrated with Freeman's impeccable storytelling voice, as is much of the film. The pace of the plot is perfectly accompanied by Freeman's remarkable tone. It's easy to underestimate the significance of his narration. His voice is our guide through their compelling journey.

Dufresne recognizes that Red is able to smuggle in different types of contraband into the prison. He asks Red for a small rock hammer for his sculpturing hobby, and a poster of actress Rita Hayworth. The two quickly become friends.

There are many moments throughout the film that show us how different Dufresne is from the other inmates. There is something about him. He sees things in a way others don't, and Red's narration helps paint a clear picture for the audience.

In 1949, Dufresne and Red are doing some rooftop work with other inmates. Dufresne overhears the intimidating prison guard, Captain Hadley (played convincingly by Clancy Brown) complaining about an inheritance, in which he has to pay taxes. Dufresne, a former banker, offers to help Hadley legally secure his money with the exchange for his friends to drink beer on the rooftop.

This leads to Dufresne providing tax services to other prison guards, eventually leading to him unwillingly helping the ruthless Warden Norton (Bob Gunton) in his illegal money-laundering scheme.

The film gives us an ironic balance of good versus evil. The good is Dufresne and Red; the evil is the Warden and Captain Hadley. The interactions between these characters are enjoyable, and create intriguing storylines.

Darabont's direction is flawless and his pacing is excellent. He perfectly blends the plot with the years spent in prison. He uses quality transitions and looming shots that zoom into the center of the subject. This shows us the realism of prison in a compelling way.

The Shawshank Redemption gives us compelling direction and interesting writing, but it's overshadowed by the memorable performances and narration. This triumphant story shows the horrors of incarceration, yet offers satisfying redemption.

This 122-minute epic will engulf your mind and lock your emotions in a holding cell that you don't want to be free of any time soon. It feels like only a half hour, because the story is truly engaging. The Shawshank Redemption accomplishes cinematic history. Yes, it's that good.