Review : The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption: A marvellous heart throbbing story of two imprisoned men, who bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through their acts of common decency.

Hey everyone

Welcome to my next review. Today I'm reviewing 'The Shawshank Redemption' from 1994. There's a reason why the 90's is referred to as being 'The Golden Era' for films, and this film is one of them. It's gold. It really is, the number of people I have come across over the years who have seen this film, can't stop talking about how much of an incredible it had on them.

There is something about 'The Shawshank Redemption' which touches the audience's hearts, and that's why people love it so much.

It's brilliantly paced, it flows really well you never get the impression it's going to slow or too quick. Excellent script. The script was brilliant. Frank Darabont; Yes, superb writing. Frank Darabont of course directed Shawshank as well as wrote it, we also have to thank him for writing and directing 'The Green Mile' which is another incredible film.

Darabont basis his work off that of Stephen King, and Shawshank Redemption is actually based of a short story that King wrote, entitled 'Rita Hayworth and The Shawhsank Redemption'. This film seriously creates an impact on the viewer, wither its a good impact or a bad impact, it creates an impact, no matter what your feeling. Only the gifted people can do that. Frank Darabont is truly gifted in his work. How he can take a story from another inspirational writer and turn it into his own, with such superlative quality. That's talent.

Here's a quick clip of the film.

This film, I've always thought of being very much like a puzzle. Everything fits into place.

First of all we have the storyline, which is this : Andy Dufresne who is a young and successful banker, whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover.

Secondly we got the settings which are 1940's,50's and 60's. all of which flow into each other perfectly.

Thirdly the message - every film has a hidden message. In this film the message shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner.

Both Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman not give off superb performances, but also their character's become very good friends. Those last few minutes just indice their relationship, it's just so lovely to know that it ended well for those two in the end.

Frank Darabont also presents the fact of how life in prison can change a man. It can make this scared, afraid, tough, obnoxious, clever, cocky. How the importance prison life is to some people like 'Brooks'. In fact Red actually says in the film 'They send you here for life, that's exactly what they take'.

Plot flows well.

Every member of the cast were excellent. I know most people would praise Morgan Freeman or Tim Robbins the most, but their just the leads. The film is supported by the other actors around them, and they work just as well in the film as they do.

 



Which over complicates everything for me, because I don't know what to give this out of ten? It's too good.

Do I give it a 9? or do I give it a 10?

Being picky, I'd say a 9. But if pushed, I'd probably have to say 10.

But you know it's a fantastic film, one of which you must watch if you haven't seen it.

Thanks for reading this.

NEXT TIME : I'll review 'Toy Story' starring Tom Hanks and Tim Alan.

I will post that review on Monday the 23rd of September 2013. Enjoy the rest of the weekend guys!