What this film means to me (Spoilers)

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2004)

I first saw this movie when Channel 4 showed it in the UK in September 2001. I had just come back from a wonderful holiday in Ohio, USA and had never heard of this movie before. I just happened to flick to channel 4 and caught a glimpse of Morgan Freeman watching Tim Robbins make his entrance into Shawshank. I had missed the opening scene with the court case. My first impressions was that this was going to be a typical prison drama but I reached for the TV guide and read more about it. It starred Morgan Freeman who I remember from Along Came a Spider and Deep Impact and Tim Robbins who I have heard of but never seen on screen before. The TV guide gave it a good rating and review so I thought i might continue to watch it.
In the opening scenes, I predicted possible rivalries between Andy and Heywood, however I was glad this was not the case as both characters became well-liked throughout the film. I even thought there would be tension between Andy and Red, but I was delighted that they became best friends throughout the movie. Along the way, I found the movie becoming interesting with many plots running alongside each other and beautiful photography. I held my breath when Hadley almost threw Andy off the roof and Morgan Freeman's story telling was first rate.
Another scene that moved me was Andy playing the Mozart record and giving hope to all prisoners in Shawshank. I even went out to buy the fantastic soundtrack with the song as well as the superb score by Thomas Newman. I must say I was concerned when Andy got in trouble for that stunt, as I thought eventually the warden was going to help him solve his case. All the characters gave memorable performances and I was moved by Brooks taking his own life as he couldn't cope on the outside. I was shocked when Tommy revealed Andy's innocence and equally curious when the warden refused to help him. Nothing prepared me for the way Andy escaped, I was so glad he did but felt for Red at the same time.
I was thrilled when Red got his parole and just hoped he didn't feel institutionalised like Brookes. I thought Red blew it when he talked up to the parole board but had a chuckle when he finally left Shawshank. Other moving scenes were Red reading Andy's letter and making his way through the fields surrounded with grasshoppers. The scene that took my breath away the most, was the shot of the bus as it made its way along the road with the brilliant sunlight, it looked just like the area where I had just come from in Ohio, as well as Red and Brookes in Main Street, Mansfield which I recognised. This film is long, but it certainly didn't seem that way to me, it is a movie you wish would go on for a bit more longer. I was stunned at the end, very moved, very happy and almost in tears. This film is truly a work of art, probably the finest movie ever made with superb acting from all of the characters, beautiful music, cinematography and so much better than the novel it is based on. I cannot believe it did not win any Oscars despite many nominations. It gives the viewer a sense of hope, happiness and satisfaction all in one and anyone can see this movie whatever mood they are in. The movie is also funny, who can forget Hadley with his, "if I hear anything more than a mousefart..." or Tommy explaining when he got arrested and had to drop a TV set. This movie makes you feel great to be alive and as Red says this movie is "so beautiful it cannot be expressed in words". I bought the DVD for my family to watch and their stunned silence at end confirmed my suspicions that they loved this movie too.
Shawshank Redemption is going to be re-released in the UK in September and I would encourage anyone who hasn't seen it before to go and see it and hopefully feel the same way I felt when I first saw this movie. There is so much to appreciate about this movie and everytime I see it again, I love it even more.