"Get busy living, or get busy dying." - Andy Dufresne

Rating: 9/10 (12 November 2014)

This work from 1994 directed and written by a Hungarian-American Frank Darabont that was based on Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption was nominated for several highly appreciated awards, including The Academy Awards and The Golden Globe Awards. In spite of being nominated for so many prestigious prizes, it did not win any. However, this fact cannot put a shadow over the fantastic job that was done while making the movie. Critics from all over the world were absolutely amazed by the drama with outstanding and unbelievably realistic scenery. It is simply a must to pay a great respect to the main protagonists – experienced Morgan Freeman as Red, a man who will provide you with everything you need, and irreplaceable Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker who was unjustly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover.
The story starts in the late 1940's when a banker Andy Dufresne is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences at the Shawshank State Penitentiary for murdering his wife and her lover. He instantly becomes a friend with a contraband smuggler and the film's narrator Ellis "Red" Redding who procures a rock hammer for Andy so he can create small stone chess pieces. Soon, Andy unleashes his financial skills when he overhears the merciless guard chief Hadley complaining about taxes. Thanks to his former occupation, Andy is given a position in the library so he can manage financial matters for Shawshank. As the years pass, Norton, the head of the prison, uses the library and public works worked by prison labor to undercut skilled labor costs so he can receive huge kickbacks. Andy is used for laundering the money using the alias "Randall Stephens". In the mid-1960's young Tommy Williams, an irredeemable burglar, is imprisoned. He gets close with Andy and Red and when hearing the details of Andy's case begins to talk about his former inmate. He explains that the inmate told him how he had killed two people and got away with it which seems to be a proof of Andy's innocence. Unfortunately, as soon as Norton hears a word about it, he has young Tommy shot by Hadley. This appears to be enough for Andy. He tells Red about his secret dream of living in a Mexican coastal village and instructs him how to get there when he is free. The next day, Andy's cell is found empty. Norton and the guards find out that Andy escaped through a tunnel which he had dug with his rock hammer over the previous two decades. While they are searching for him, Andy, as Randall Stephens, visits a large number of banks to withdraw the laundered money. Besides that, he sends a package with evidence of what has happened at the prison to a regional newspaper. Will the police and the newspaper trust Andy? Will he and Red ever meet again? Go and watch the bravura ending.
It is hard to find a more proper word for the film than a masterpiece. The Shawshank Redemption is an opportunity to witness how fate is the best judge in the end, how a frightened cat can turn into a brave lion and how a friendship can be developed even in the darkest moments of ones' lives. Next, I was really impressed by the perfect narrating skills of Mr. Freeman. The actor's storytelling keeps you deeply settled in your seat and you are able to literally breathe the story. I haven't seen such a well-thought-out plot like this in a long time. The diligent work of the producers, cameramen, costume designers, make-up and hair stylists and all of the crew will be remembered. I can't write this without mentioning the set. I have already talked about it, but I need to praise it a little bit more. It was so easy to get into the plot thanks to the set – you do not get a chance to doubt the realism of the scenery. Another aspect to be spotlighted is the soundtrack. Magnificent Thomas Newman and his team produced a piece of quality material which does not stay unnoticed and bonds you even more with the whole drama. Last but not least, I must applaud the directing and screen writing of Mr. Darabont who created a completely unique and new experience for TV viewers and cinema audiences. We can only guess what happens in the end until we finally get to see the finish line of Shawshank. I guarantee you will end up with a wide smile on your face.
To sum up, we can only thank the entire crew for the spectacular project with an inspiring story of not giving up. The conclusion of my review is as brief as it can be – go and book your place in front of the big screen! You will not regret it. The massive number of emotions you can experience while watching The Shawshank Redemption will make you laugh or cry whenever you want.