GOOD BUT NOT GREAT

Rating: 8/10 (15 March 2019)

How the Shawshank Redemption is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time is unfathomable to mean. Infact there are films in the prison genre which I have found to be more effectively made than the Shawshank Redemption.
Is the film bad? No, infact it's quite the contrary. The performances from the two lead characters are undoubtabely compelling, the film very effectively pulls at your heart springs, and allows you to feel sympathy for supposed criminals. The film is also well crafted from a technical standpoint, with good use of camera angles, and pleasantly crafted cinematography.
The film, however, can best be described as unremarkable. Infact, while some may find it difficult to concede, it seems as though the film weaponizes sentimentality to pander to its audience. The film about the brutality of prison, and the corrupt nature of mankind shouldn't have the tone of a cheesy soap opera, and certainly shouldn't be cleanly wrapped together like a christmas present. The inoffensive, and uncontroversial nature of Shawshank redemption is borderline cringe inducing, and perhaps this seems hyperbolized, but here's an analogy that best describes the problem with the film. Imagine if the godfather who beats up talia shires character gets killed and talia shires smiles and begins hugging her brother and talking about how she can start over her life again. That analogy pretty much sums up the operative problem with shawshank redemption. Its a good movie, well acted, technically impressive, well written, full of compelling moments, however it is simply conventional, and far too pandering. Certainly far from being one of the greatest films of all time.