A true underdog story

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2018)

Shawshank Redemption is a film about the unlikely friendship between two men from different walks of life. Their paths would not have even crossed had Andy, portrayed by Tim Robbins, not been falsely imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover. Andy becomes friends with Red, played by Morgan Freeman; a prison bootlegger who was guilty of his crime of murder. This unlikely friendship becomes their saving grace. Their friendship makes their prison days more bearable until Andy's escape changes things. Red must serve his remaining sentence with memories of their time together. Andy left clues for Red to find him so they could be reunited.
When Andy first arrives at the prison, Red and fellow inmates make bets on which new guy will break down first. Red chooses Andy on first sight. What a culture shock Andy and the new prisoners receive before they ever enter the cell block. We see them get verbally abused, stripped of their rights, showered with hoses, deloused, and made to march naked to their new homes. This stark transition makes the audience feel sympathy and humiliation for these men. When the first man breaks down that night, we see him get badly beaten by the guards. We find out in the morning that he didn't receive medical attention and died from the beating.
Shawshank Redemption is one of those movies where you can help but root for the underdog. While we are unsure if Andy committed the crime he was sentenced for or not, you can't help but root for the guy. When it's revealed later on that he is not guilty, it makes you root for him even more. He had his chance to get out of prison as a free man but the warden eliminated that opportunity. The only way Andy was able to leave that prison was on his own terms.
Set in 1947, Shawshank Redemption stays true to its timeframe. There are not any special effects or elaborate film techniques that wouldn't have been seen during this time. At no time is the story overshadowed by theatrics or surroundings. The lighting and sound effects appear as natural as if watching it all from across a room. The small details are what make this movie so believable.
Shawshank Redemption can be compared to The Green Mile. Another film set in a 1930's prison. Both movies force the audience to look beyond the crimes the men have been convicted of and look at the man himself. Both movies have strong actors and strong supporting roles. Both movies are made with careful detail allowing the story to take center stage.
While there are many prison movies out there to choose from, Shawshank Redemption tops the list. What makes this movie great is that it's not about the escape but it's about the relationships formed leading up to the escape. The real treat is seeing these friends reunited against all odds later in life.