The Shawshank Redemption | A brief review by a Film Making student

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2012)

*Contain Spoilers*
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Director - Frank Darabont Cinematographer – Roger Deakins Writers – Stephen King and Frank Darabont Editor – Richard Francis-Bruce
Favorite Quote: "Hope is a good thing and good things never die." The Shawshank Redemption is about time, patience, hope and loyalty. In 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (protagonist) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He's sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis "Red" Redding, picks him as the new recruit. The first part of the film deals with Andy, Red and their group of friends dealing with prison life.
Andy wants to be a freeman. He regrets his past and wants to move on with a new life and memories. But the ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy. A corrupt warden, sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack. He has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars. He uses his banking skills to win favor with the warden and the guards, doing the books for Norton's illegal business schemes and keeping an eye on the investments of most of the prison staff. In exchange, he is able to improve the prison library and bring some dignity and respect back to many of the inmates, including Red.
After almost a two decade stay, in 1966, Andy Dufresne escapes the Shawshank prison by tunneling through the wall with a rock hammer worn down to the nub. He sets off to a new country for a new life and is later accompanied by his prison mate Red.
Andy Duresne is a man of hope. He is a smart person and a loyal friend. The Shawshank Redemption is the journey of redemption of Andy and his fellow convicts. Redemption is found in many ways, by many characters, even by a bird named Jake. It's a story portraying the corruption and politics in a prison and the transformation of an investment banker to a smart con. It shows how the weak and innocent protagonist, who is often bullied and tortured during his early stay in prison, adapts and changes himself with the situation and out smarts the guards and warden to run away with their illegal money and starts a new life.
Review By – Mayank Bhattacharya