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The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is a remarkable and powerful movie based on a short story by Stephen King (Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption). This film has an incredible storyline full of beauty, tragedy, fear, comedy, and hope. Directed and written by Frank Darabont, the man that brought us such movie favorites as The Green Mile (1999) and, The Majestic (2001), is not afraid to shock the audience by making subtle shifts in the personalities of characters and suddenly turning a situation of comedy and hope into a tragedy beyond what anyone might have originally expected. This film is a true work of art that I think will endlessly elicit painful pleasure. The storyline follows Andy Dufresne's (Tim Robbins) journey to freedom. Andy is a city banker, wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover, who is sent to Shawshank Prison in 1947 following a double life sentence for the crime. Andy forms an unlikely friendship with Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman) who tells the story. This narration by Morgan Freeman gives this film a special nostalgic feel as he tells the story of how he meets Andy Dufresne and how their friendship survives the many injustices of prison life. Will those who take the journey with Andy be rewarded or punished in the end? Although I think it is pointless to describe the entire story in this review, I do think it is necessary to acknowledge that this movie stands head and shoulders above many other movies as a testament to the endurance and power of the human spirit. And this film illustrates well how regardless of what situation we find ourselves with hope we can endure and prevail. In fact, I can think of no other movie that portrays the resolve of the human spirit as well. Emotional and brutal, this movie shows us what hope can really do for anyone. The twists are unexpected without being pretentious and the cinematography is grand and expressive as it provides the viewer with a real impression of the sheer magnitude of this daunting prison. The attention given to the story makes this movie stand above most other good films. I think movies depend on the story and the way in which it unravels in The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is perfect in making this a touching, powerful, thought-provoking, and challenging film. Furthermore, I think most will be impressed with how every single subplot was given a great deal of respect and attention from the director with acting performances that are incredible and noteworthy. Tim Robbins is brilliant in his role and so damn likable that he delivers what I consider to be his best career performance. Morgan Freeman who also plays a wonderful character is amazing as always and gives an exceptional performance worthy of his Oscar nomination. Together, these two actors maintain a radiant chemistry that truly transforms this short story into an outstanding screen success. Bob Gunton (playing Warden Norton) is also superb as the a**hole warden and audiences will easily feel emotional hatred for him. His evil performance is stunning and certainly adds to the film. Clancy Brown (playing Captain Byron T. Hadley) is frightening in his role and maintains an intimidating presence that is easily believable. Regardless of how small or large the roles of each character, everyone is perfectly cast. In addition to the wonderful directing, amazing script, and powerful acting, this film contains a magnificent soundtrack written by Thomas Newman. While I find many of the tunes simplistic, the music is very memorable and seems to perfectly reflect the wide variety of dilemmas and situations faced by all the characters. Unfortunately, at the 1994 Academy Awards this movie was nominated for seven awards (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Adapted, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Sound), but did not win a single Oscar. Although I must note that the competition was very stiff at the 67th Annual Academy Awards with such movies as Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, Quiz Show, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, Nell, and Legends of the Fall to name a few, I think this movie went unnoticed because it is one of those films that comes along out of nowhere and has a great impact but its value initially goes unrecognized. You have to watch it several times to grasp the value and with each viewing this fact only becomes clearer. In the future, I am sure this film will be deemed a true classic. We need more films today with powerful messages that provoke the senses and emotions as this film did. That is what makes this a must see movie and one that you will likely enjoy viewing time and time again. As such, I strongly encourage adding the DVD to your movie collection. I think the 10th Anniversary Special Edition DVD does the film a great service especially the insightful commentary by Frank Darabont and therefore it is highly recommended. email this review to a friend
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