Shawshank has a sobering message for everyone.

Rating: 8/10 (5 September 2008)

After several viewings of The Shawshank Redemption, the idea of time and pressure is the thing that jumps out more than anything else, perhaps because the world we live in is geared towards short term gains, quick fixes and schemes to achieve success without the requisite effort.
What I enjoyed most about this film is that it reminded me that lasting achievements are about consistency and persistent efforts over time and that this really is the only way, and to stay focused and positive in the face of the set backs life can throw at you. It has had the impact of making me see the mountains in my own life as a series of many small steps, even though this idea is essentially a background in the film, which is really about the relationship between Andy and Red.
The corrupt officials in the film are surprised by the turn of events, highlighting them as short term thinkers, concerned with power and position, unable to perceive the outcome of longer term thinking, so when change comes, they are unprepared and the things that formerly gave them security and certainty are the source of their own demise.