A wonderfully constructed, emotional masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (2 November 2003)

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION ****
A man sets out to scratch together some semblance of a life after he is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. With the inmates taking bets on which one of the new prisoners will fall victim to the harsh environment, the movie evolves into a blossoming friendship between the convicted murderer and the prison handyman. With a growing trust and bond that will stand forever they begin to share in their experiences and over time the new prisoner becomes much more than just a friend; he becomes a man with vision and determination whilst also using the system to his benefit by applying his professional experience within the prison.
The Shawshank Redemption is a masterpiece portraying the issues that we expect a movie of this calibre to portray, whilst also developing sub-plots with such precision that the entire movie felt like it passed in double quick time. Rarely do I get the feeling that a movie was totally seamless, but this was one instance. The acting was first rate, with both Robbins and Freeman putting in the performances of a lifetime. I must admit I haven't see much of Robbins' work, but if all his other performances slump to deep mediocrity he will still be remembered for his part here. Freeman was superb as the inmate who has come to terms with Shawshank, believing that hope springs futility and that Shawshank becomes an institutionalised aspect of a mans' character, whether inside or out.
To focus on just two people would be ludicrous, there are a number of other outstanding contributions from the prison rule makers and the band of men that keep morale high enough to contemplate living on through their sentences. The movie triggered a number of responses personally, the obvious responses of sadness and happiness can be taken for granted. But emerging through the obvious were issues of friendship, trust, betrayal, hatred, anger and injustice. So too was there joy and relief, and a new perspective on what life and prison means to many people that I previously hadn't thought of.
Personally, one of the saddest moments I can remember from all of the movies I have seen involves an old book-keeper who has to come to terms with freedom. For those that have seen it you'll probably concur that it was deeply touching; for those who haven't seen the movie you may see a fresh insight into prison life. It is a wonderfully crafted film, and whilst I hate banding extreme and blind accolades at movies that can be taken as fads, this will probably stay in my top five favourite movies for it's enjoyment, its direction and it's comprehensive grasp of so many of it's focus points. An outstanding movie.