Unlikely turn of events

Rating: 4/10 (19 June 2016)

What an enjoyable movie The Shawshank Redemption turned out to be and a true classic. At first glance, the title immediately through me off. It honestly didn't seem like the type of movie I would like. As I got further into the movie however, the storyline began to catch my interest. Andy Dufresne is a well to do banker. He seems intelligent, somewhat corny and well to do. You can imagine my confusion as to how he winds up in prison. Through an interesting plot twist early on in the movie, it seems Andy is falsely accused of a horrendous crime and sentenced to time in prison. Right from the beginning he hits it off with Red, a black older gentleman who seems to be the go to man for everything. Throughout the film Red and Andy develop a loyal friendship that gets them both through the many years of imprisonment. While doing time Andy finds out that there is a way to prove his innocence and is hopeful that he will be released. After expressing that hope to Norton, the warden Andy realizes that he has no intention of helping him and that he would face many more years behind bars. This realization causes Andy to do the unthinkable and
Right from the start I felt like the theme was going to be along the lines of hope, never giving up, make the most of your situation or never judge a book by its cover. Andy kept his cool and was hopeful that he would be 'redeemed' throughout most of the movie. You get the sense that he knew he would be proved innocent. He remained hopeful and helpful at all times similar to Pi in Life of Pi. From the beer that he finagled for the prisoners on that hot Summer day, books in the library that he requested and received and the assistance that he provided during tax time, he was definitely more than meets the eye. You honestly don't really expect the ending at all. I didn't really think he'd have that in him. This is a King film though so you know there will be unexpected plot twists.
The setting completely made the movie. A drab prison in a remote location, a smelly sewage line and absolutely no grab just sets a tone for unpleasantry, seclusion and discontentment. Considering where Andy came from it was a complete contrast and definitely took some getting used to. Even the transformation of the library - an attempt from Andy in seeking normalcy, was completely realistic in that they took a barren prison room and created shelving, a similar dewey decimal system and structure. The costumes also played an important role within the film and worked hand in hand with the setting. All prisoners wear the same type of clothing and style. There are no stand outs. Some items were more worn than others and some just plain didn't fit well depending on the person. He helped to portray an idea of what it would really be like in prison.
Ultimately the movie took a case of misfortune and showed based off circumstances, the lengths that someone would go when the odds are against them. The director also showed us that in the most unlikely places how a true friendship can blossom. Never giving up hope, never judging a book by it's cover.