Writer/Director: Frank Darabont
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins and Bob Gunton
‘A Powerful Prison Classic’
When it comes to the finest movies ever made about life in prison, it’s worth discussing “The Shawshank Redemption”. Following its release in 1994, Frank Darabont’s film has become an all-time classic that movie-goers adore. Filled with larger-than-life characters, breathtaking storytelling and strong performances, it’s one of those rare movies that works on every level. Ultimately, what resonates most is its message about sheer importance of maintaining hope in life. Nearly 30 years after its release, the movie has stood the test of time as a classic. Personally, I believe that it’s without a doubt the greatest movie ever made.
Set in an American prison, “The Shawshank Redemption” tells the story of two men that form a powerful friendship over the years seeking redemption. Tim Robbins depicts Andy Dufresne, a banker that’s wrongfully accused of his wife’s murder. Sentenced to life in prison, Andy struggles to survive a harsh environment. However, Andy’s life forever changes when he forms friendships with his fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman). Seeking redemption, the two men discover the importance of maintaining hope in the world’s most dangerous prison.
One of the main reasons why “The Shawshank Redemption” works so well is due towards the direction. Frank Darabont did an extraordinary job of directing this movie. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a celebrated book about prison, but he pulled it off effectively. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Darabont deftly uses camera angles to capture the positions of power held by people in a prison. Low camera angles capture the Warden and security guards’ strong positions of power. In contrast, high angle shots capture the inmates’ helpless positions. Working alongside cinematographer Roger Deakins, Darabont captures the frightening nature of a prison. Through stunning visuals, Darabont celebrates a novel with a legacy that’s long-lasting.
Another powerful aspect of “The Shawshank Redemption” that contributes to its success is the production. Darabont’s decision to shoot the film in a real-life Ohio prison is risky but works tremendously. The real-life prison lends a strong sense of realism to the movie. Whether it’s the claustrophobic cells or the empty courtyards, the prison plays a pivotal role throughout the movie. For a movie made in the 1990’s, the film’s production has aged incredibly well. It does not feel at all outdated which is rare for a film produced in the era. Through phenomenal production, Darabont captures harsh realities of a prison.
Storytelling is an aspect of “The Shawshank Redemption” that merits appreciation. Frank Darabont’s screenwriting strength is conveying strong bonds between prisoners through voice over narration. Throughout the movie, Red is a compelling narrator that expresses feelings about prison by narration. Morgan Freeman’s soothing voice makes Red. a strong narrator whom audiences can easily identify with. Voice over narration is a tricky technique to use in movies. When used excessively, ti can often be an irritating distraction that takes viewers out of a movie. That being said, it works extremely well in this movie. Not only does it provide insight into prison life, but it allows viewers to form a strong emotional connection with the characters. Through an extraordinary script, Darabont captures strong bonds between a pair of prisoners seeking to make dreams come true.
One can’t help but marvel at the magnificent performances. The film wouldn’t be the iconic classic that it is without the phenomenal acting by its talented cast.
Tim Robbins delivers one of his greatest career performances as Andy Dufresne. It isn’t simple to capture personality of a prisoner wrongfully accused of a crime that he didn’t commit, but he pulls it off successfully. With mesmerizing expressions, Robbins captures the frustration, determination and perseverance of a prisoner seeking redemption in a harsh prison. Robbins has a strong ability to convey emotion through expressions without much dialogue. It’s one of the best performances ever given by an actor in cinematic history.
Morgan Freeman is fantastic in the role of an African-American man that becomes used to living in a cruel prison. While Robbins gets the showier role, Freeman is equally excellent at capturing a prisoner that keeps his emotions under control. Freeman excels at capturing a prisoner’s bond with his inmates through his body language. Whether he’s silently playing chess with Andy or expressing sadness at the prospect of leaving prison, Freeman expertly captures Red’s bonds with inmates in Shawshank through his body language. It’s a phenomenal performance that launched a prosperous career of one of the world’s most beloved movie-stars today.
Lastly, Bob Gunton deserves appreciation. As the strict warden of the prison, he brings menace to the movie.
Finally, “The Shawshank Redemption” is a film which deserves everyone’s appreciation for its strong message about redemption. The movie tackles universal themes including depression, friendship and redemption which would strike a chord with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of prison dramas to appreciate it. It delivers a universal message about the sheer importance of maintaining hope in life’s most depressing situations. As someone looking at life from a negative point of view, I related to the film’s message. Therefore, “The Shawshank Redemption” is one of those rare movies that everyone will adore.
Fans of prison dramas will appreciate “The Shawshank Redemption” and so will movie-goers seeking inspirational entertainment.
Nearly 30 years after the release of an iconic classic about inmates that question whether they should get busy living or get busy dying searching for redemption in a terrifying prison, it’s a beautiful reminder of a classic film that forever changed the world through its strong message about an importance of maintaining hope in darkest of situations leaving behind a long-lasting legacy which definitely deserves appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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