Review of The Shawshank Redemption (1994) by Campbell P — 25 Sep 2015

In the world of cinema, there are two ways to categorize prison dramas. They can be considered effective or moving, rarely both. The Shawshank Redemption is the quintessential example of the perfect concoction of both themes.

The way that this story is brought to screen from the beloved Stephen King novel plays out like an adventure through the eyes of a prisoner. When a movie takes the perspective of multiple characters it makes a story and the character's action all the more believable and even understandable.

Through the eyes of Andy and Red, we understand the way they act and where they go with their actions and dialogue because they understand their surroundings. The way that these two interact with each other is what makes this movie so enjoyable.

Their charisma and attitude are the motors that keep the story running and never fails to impress and fascinate. The reason I got so invested in the two leads is because of the way they bounced off of each other with quick and smart dialogue and the way they function in prison.

I'm sure a given by now is that you can assume that Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman gave great performances since I became invested and on board with them as their characters. The plot of the movie never feels overcomplicated or dull, every aspect of the story is completely necessary and totally effective on many scales.

Through the writing, the writers show the harsh conditions of what the characters encounter and perfectly show the functions and attitudes towards the harshness of a situation. If a character was brutally beaten, the violence and roughness was on display and is honestly frightening at some scenes.

The cinematography by the great Roger Deakins is magnificent as always. He's able to make a dark situation look dark and full of despair and a inspirational moment passionate. The complete twist at the end of the movie is possibly the best I've seen.

Through all the details that the writers portray to us that don't seem particularly much at the moment, they are put to full use at the end and makes for a fantastic and redeeming ending. Shawshank Redemption is one of those films that gets a special spot in cinema as one of the greats.

It's heartfelt, harsh, effective, inspiring, thought provoking, adventurous, and passionate. The movie buff's movie in more than one way. A.