A classic film that everyone should see!

Rating: Null/10 (21 July 2014)

Prison is a gloomy and dark place that can contain beauty if worked on. Friendships can be formed, enjoyment can be experienced, and freedom can sometimes be felt. "The Shawshank Redemption" is a very popular film that contains world class film-making and interesting life-lessons that can be applied from prison to the free world. Tim Robbins stars as Andy Dufresne, a banker who is convicted of murdering his wife, a crime he didn't commit. After being sent to the Shawshank State Penitentiary in Maine, Andy encounters some tough people including a brutal prison guard and ruthless prisoners and lives in constant fear. Andy soon meets Red, a contraband smuggler with a life sentence played by Morgan Freeman in the greatest performance of his life. The two form a special friendship and find how to make the best of their situation. As the men get different jobs in the prison, attempt escape, and experience different feelings, the men try to redeem this depressing prison and find a better life. This story is an absolute cinematic icon and there is no questioning as to why this is a classic work of art. The friendship formed between Andy and Red is one of the most fascinating things to watch form in cinema, as we get elaborate character development and watch the unfolding of a beautiful friendship come to life in a depressing location. The extra tad's such as the use of foreshadowing and flashbacks writer Frank Darabont uses creative detail and complexity to make this story special. Darabont also directs this film and portrays a prison life in shockingly unique ways. He focuses on all the hardships that make prison seem nightmarish, but also shows how prison can be the best place on earth when you have a friend and enjoyment in difficult situations. The themes of persistence and hope that are brought up in this film can relate to anyone's situation whether free or in prison. Darabont adapts Stephen King's story to show us how in order to live we need freedom, and without hope you will never achieve it. This is a classic example of pure 90's film-making and stands as one of the best classics of all time. "The Shawshank Redemption" is one of the greatest narrative stories ever told and brings so much up that can inspire the world on how to achieve meaning in life.