HOPE IS THE BEST THING!

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 2004)

Many of the most powerful stories are the soulful ones that teach us not to despair, not to be swamped by sorrow. They remind us that ¡° hope¡± is a precious and buoyant emotion that can give our lives substance and meaning. Most people who see this movie for the first time are not going to appreciate it completely, I feel that it is quite possible the best movie ever made. Some may be more entertaining, like say Indian Jones and the last Crusade, but none as compelling. The movie shows a world of different emotions, mainly through its two main characters, Red and Andy. The acting is incredible. The message is stronger than that of most any movie, and is stated very clearly. ¡° Hope¡± is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever does.¡± After being drained by the sad events that occur in the movie, the ending uplifts, and thoroughly fulfills the gap that it could leave you with.
I believe that one reason that this movie is under appreciated is that people have not seen it multiple times. At first viewing it is the story of Andy and his struggle to maintain hope despite his circumstances. However, this is really a movie about Red and his struggle to find meaning and purpose. The final segment of the movie testifies to the fact that the final resolution of the story comes about only when Red is faced with the same fearful situation as Brooks. Because of Andy, Red can find different path of freedom that is lit by hope. No matter what circumstances you live in, don¡¯t forget that hope is the best thing in the world. And you will have courage to struggle, to forward, and to live better in the world.