A remarkable film that portrays bravery and determination!

Rating: Null/10 (15 September 2017)

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are incredible in the fascinating motion picture The Shawshank Redemption. The film is a tremendous demonstration of bravery and brotherhood and one that could satisfy everyone. The film tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who is serving two life sentences at Shawshank prison for murder that he did not commit. Throughout the film, the audience is exposed to Andy's hardships, friendships, successes, and failures. One particular friendship that is extremely significant is the one Andy forms with Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman).
The theme of having hope is brilliantly illustrated throughout the entire film. Andy never gave up and fought a tremendous battle for 19 years in Shawshank prison for the crime he knew he did not commit. Can you imagine being locked up for a brutal 19 years for something you did not do? Equally as compelling as Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946), The Shawshank Redemption will be sure to make you appreciate life in a beautiful way that you never knew you could. The positivity that radiated off of Andy is something that makes this film so inspiring and heartfelt.
The filming techniques used in Shawshank are as influential as they are fitting. A motif from the film I would like to elaborate on is the crow. This crow was a companion to one of the prisoners by the name of Brooks. Just moments before Brooks (James Whitmore) is released from prison, he releases the crow. This illustrates that Brooks has a major lack of hope that he will make it in life after he is released. In fact, it is written all over his face because prison is all he has ever known. Another technique I would like to discuss is sound. Perhaps the theme is most successfully portrayed when Andy blasts opera music over the load speaking throughout the entire prison. The look on his face and the look on the other prisoner's faces is truly priceless.This is by far my favorite scene in the film! I cannot get enough of this film and I enjoy watching people experience it for this first time. This film was recommended by my mother and father for me to watch approximately 8 years ago and I have been hooked ever since. I give this movie the 10/10 that it deserves for all of the life lessons it teaches and the hope it evokes. Overall, The Shawshank Redemption will keep you locked in, surprised, and intrigued throughout!