Some films aren't meant to just entertain. You can say that entertainment is the least desired goal while writing and producing such films. It's about something more. A lesson, an inspiration, a story or just an ideal that goes beyond the entertainment sphere and purpose. Writers, directors and producers have been intentional about making these films and we find some littered throughout time and different eras.
The 1994 crime/drama film, The Shawshank Redemption is one such. Written and directed by Frank Darabont, the film was based on the 1982 Stephen King novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.” Though a work of fiction, there's more to what brought about the film. Stephen King's story was inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s short story "God Sees the Truth, But Waits.” These fascinating facts add a layer to the inspiring lessons that the film presents.
It features a cast of Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd Redding (Red), Bob Gunton as Warden Norton, William Sadler as Heywood, Clancy Brown as Captain Hadley, Gil Bellows as Tommy, James Whitmore as Brooks Hatlen, and other cast members. The film follows the story of a banker, Andy Dufresne who was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover. An offence he claimed to be innocent of.
Andy’s claim and defence of being innocent was a difficult appeal since he actually had plans to carry out the murder, and traces of evidence were linked to him. Was this someone framing him, or what? I think that's the first question a viewer would ask concerning Andy’s case. In a common and foreseeable plot, this film would have revolved around Andy trying to prove his innocence by all means, even while in prison. But Frank Darabont gave something else. Something that became an inspiration to many, more than entertainment.
Shawshank State Penitentiary was the place where Andy’s life was to come to an end. That's where the major plot revolved. Andy initially kept to himself. The cruelty of prison life got to him in some ways. He was expected to break down. Andy decided to come out of the shadows, he befriends fellow prisoner “Red” who was a contraband smuggler with some influence within the prison walls. Andy used his accounting skills to help Captain Hadley, and would later become instrumental in a money laundering operation led by the warden, Samuel Norton.
From one of the weakest and most violated inmates, Andy became untouchable, and even inspiring to people like Red who were influential in the Penitentiary and spent several decades there. He offered hope to him and others making them see meaning in life even within those walls and behind bars through some of his quests and demands. All Andy had was his wit and accounting skills, and that was enough to do a lot in a cruel place that serves brutality as the prison. It leaves one thinking, what can you do with what you have in this unrestricted space?
This is a film that keeps you hooked and following closely with each scene so as to grasp what's happening and where the plot is heading. It's one of those films that doesn't do much but still has your attention just through the dialogues, character development, expressions, and the suspense of what's coming and what to expect. The prison dynamics were well explored. The plot build-up wasn't unnecessarily slow or fast. It was developed accordingly.
It's interesting to note that while this film has received many appraisals and became a classic, it didn't start this way. It struggled at that time due to competition from some films and the unpopularity of prison films. The title itself was considered confusing for audiences. Something that probably most audiences today must have found confusing. The film went on to become a popular broadcast with widespread popularity across several countries, a source of inspiration to audiences and one of the most endearing films with great significance.
The Shawshank Redemption is a film that portrayed hope, friendship, resilience and freedom. What better setting for it than the facility that's considered a place of condemnation, with nothing other than a life of reproach and waste. Frank Darabont however relayed something different, and that's hope, beyond fear and beyond the bars. This hope inspired many inmates, Red especially, who found comfort within those walls for the decades he had been there, and nothing hopeful about the world outside. He finally saw it differently.
Applause goes to the acting of Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman who were the leading cast. The emotion, despair, hopelessness and fear were explored and presented through their acting. Even moments of bravery and hope that would have you thinking, why do this? The expressions, dialogue, and physical interactions are there, and adds a whole lot to the plot and everything that makes this classic what it is. The supporting cast was good in their roles too.
The film absolutely lives up to the hype of its name and remains a classic that one could always watch and enjoy. The cinematography was good, the visual effects as well, and the ending was most satisfying. It's one of those old movies where you find quality and enduring value. The Shawshank Redemption is certainly a good watch.
Thank you for reading!
Rating: 95/100
