A True Movie of Character

Rating: 9/10 (8 February 2009)

The story that emerges from from this unlikely source is hope and inspiration. I say unlikely source because the story comes from the pen of horror master Stephen King. This is not a story you can easily envision coming from his tortured soul. But perhaps King is in his element when words like prison, solitary confinement, torture and unrealistic all spring forth to describe the story of Andy Dufresne and his years at Shawshank prison.
Narrated by "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), Shawshank Prison has become his captive home of customers since he is able to procure certain items like cigarettes, candy and so on. For a self proclaimed innocent victim of the system, new comer Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) "Red" is asked for a most unusual item - a rock pick. Andy is an amateur geologist. Andy and "Red" gradually become friends as people come and go, one way or another, from Shawshank as time passes them by.
What on the surface might seem like a depressing story and situation is filled with personal challenges and one's will to overcome impossible odds. The prison is speckled with interesting characters such as the oldest convict Brooks the librarian (James Whitmore) or the bible thumping man at the top of Shawshank, Warden Norton (Bob Gunton). Whether doing time like Andy or finally being release like Brooks or being torn between beliefs like Warden Norton, each man faces their own challenges while all of them endure the ravages of time.
Everything about this movie is done with the backdrop of the prison even though it is nothing like any typical prison film. The movie is based on Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. There is no horror that is normally found in King's work. Instead this is more of an inner character struggle like is found in another of King's work, Stand By Me. Like that story the two main character are linked in partnership with Tim Robbins giving a moving and powerful performance next to a solid character study by Morgan Freeman.
Director Frank Darabont delivers a solid film adding lots of life to what could have been a dreary background. The story flows evenly with a genuine care given to each character and each actor's performance. Shawshank is an instant classic and puts Robbins in the lead to play any every-man role aside the likes of Jimmy Stewart.